Ford is an extremely large manufacturer of pickup vehicles, which of course is supported by the American market, which is a well-known fan of such vehicles. They have just introduced a new generation of the Ranger model, which is irresistibly reminiscent of the famous F-150 model. The Ranger is now extremely powerful, supported by C-day LED daytime running lights. For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights. Ford’s Product Development Center in Australia is responsible for the development of the new generation.
Production in South Africa
Although the new model has seen the light of day, it should be borne in mind that the order books will open in European markets in a year, and the first deliveries will start in early 2023. This should help further strengthen the Old Continent where the current Ranger is the leader in the pick up vehicle segment. Ford also announced that it is starting cooperation with the Volkswagen Group in the field of commercial vehicles. Accordingly, the next generation of VW Amarok, which should be introduced during 2022, will be based on the Ranger. Both models will also come from the Silverton factory in South Africa.
Customer opinion was key to developing the next-generation new rugged look. Ford has spent a lot of time with owners around the world, conducting more than 5,000 interviews and dozens of customer workshops to understand how customers use their pickup vehicles, as well as what they want and expect in the new Ranger.
According to the wishes of customers
‘Customers have told us that Ranger needs to look solid and need to instill confidence,’ said Max Tran, chief designer for Ranger. ‘They were very clear about what Ranger should be, both in the way he looks and how they feel about him.’
Beneath the new body is an upgraded chassis with a 5cm longer wheelbase and 5cm wider track than the previous Ranger. The newly designed front structure creates more engine space for the new V6 engine and helps the Ranger in the future for other drive technologies. It also opens the front to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps maintain low operating temperatures when towing or transporting heavy loads.
Powerful V6 engine
Customers were looking for a choice of higher power and torque for heavy-duty towing and extreme off-road driving, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel and developed it for the 2023 Ford Ranger pickup truck. It is one of the three turbodiesel engine options available at the launch. There will also be a selection of proven turbo and biturbo 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder diesels. Single-turbo comes in two different performance levels. The Biturbo engine is a more sophisticated performance variant for customers who want more power but need to maintain fuel efficiency.
Engineers have moved the front wheels 5 cm forward for a better access angle and the exterior for better off-road articulation, improving the off-road experience. They have also moved the rear suspension shock absorbers off the frame rails to allow drivers and passengers to drive better on and off the road, whether they are carrying a heavy load to work or just taking the family out to dinner.
Even better all-wheel drive
Customers will have a choice between two all-wheel drive systems – an electronic shift-on-the-fly transmission system or an advanced new permanent all-wheel drive system with a soothing set-and-forget mode, designed for when and where that customers need. Off-road recovery is facilitated by prominent double recovery hooks in the front bumper.
Furthermore, customers wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that would satisfy both business and family duties. So the Ranger has to serve as a workspace, but also to provide comfort with smart features with more comfort and features more than before. This uses materials that are more comfortable to the touch, but still resistant to wear.
Digital technologies
There’s also digitization, so the heart of Ranger’s connectivity experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the center section. It complements the all-digital instrument panel and is equipped with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system, which is ready for customers with its voice communication, entertainment and information systems. In addition, there is a factory-installed FordPass Connect modem. It allows you to connect on the go when connected to the FordPass app. This improves the ownership experience with features such as remote start, vehicle status and remote locking and unlocking functions via mobile device.
Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the instrument panel and center console to the SYNC display. At the touch of a button, drivers can switch to the Ranger’s dedicated display for all off-road driving modes where they can track the driveline, steering angle, vehicle tilt angles and other controls.
The screen is also connected to a camera that offers a 360-degree view to make parking easier in cramped city spaces or as an aid in overcoming particularly difficult terrain. In addition, customers can control the Ranger’s new outdoor zone lighting system via a touch screen or FordPass app, which means they don’t have to work or camp in the dark. 2023 Ford Ranger pickup truck technology will also be tailored to the future to embrace Ford Power-Up wireless software updates thanks to a built-in FordPass Connect modem.
The design team also prepared a smart warehouse and useful features. Not only is there storage space for your phone or wireless charging but there is also a large storage compartment on the center console for storing things. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide instrument panel hides the upper glove compartment, and there are storage compartments under and behind the rear seats.
Practical details for various needs
‘When we met with our clients and watched them climb up to the trunk, we saw a great opportunity for improvement,’ said Anthony Hall, Ranger Vehicle Engineering Manager. ‘There were people stepping on a tire and then crossing over the side of a truck or climbing into an open tailgate.’ It was the inspiration to create an integrated side step behind the rear tires, to create a strong, more stable way to access the crate. In addition, the Ranger team worked to ensure that wider cargo could fit and stay safe in the trunk.
A novelty is the solid plastic base that helps protect the owner from scratches and knees from kneeling on the steel base of the vehicle. Additional load securing points – on strong steel pipe rails – provide convenient load securing points. Durable, flexible luggage caps around the sides of the trunk and over the tailgate hide structural attachment points for canopies and other accessories.
Ford Ranger 2023 pickup truck also brings a new load management system designed with compartments to hold items of different sizes – such as wood or tool boxes. It is also possible to create smaller compartments for storing items, which would otherwise have to go in the cabin. This is achieved by using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded wedges that are connected to rails fastened with screws on each side of the load box. The tailgate can also serve as a mobile workbench with integrated ruler and clamping pockets for measuring, gripping and cutting construction materials.
Zone lighting – operated via a SYNC cab display or via the FordPass app – provides 360-degree lighting around the vehicle to give customers better visibility around the vehicle. The cargo box lighting is located under the left and right rails and provides enough light to complete work in low light or find things in the cargo box at night.
Customers will have a great opportunity for personalization. There are a range of over 150 fully factory-supported work, urban and adventure add-ons. These accessories include those developed in collaboration with the global off-road icon, ARB 4 × 4 Accessories.
source: ford