Right fellas, time to condense all the threads about the new 2012 Ford Ranger (i.e. the upcoming model to be released in late '10/early '11) into a single, comprehensive thread.
Here are the links to the other threads if you want to browse through them:
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Initial spotting of the new Ranger being tested in Sweden-
CGI rendition of the 2012 Ford Ranger; exterior & interior-
New Ranger and other new pickups for 2011For those who haven't heard yet, the new 2012 redesigned Ranger will feature:
- Newly redesigned coil-over-shocks suspension, changed from the previous torsion-bar setup on the current PK Ranger. The new ranger will have a smoother, refined, more SUV-like ride similar to the current Hilux, Navara & L200 Sportero. No more bouncy, workhorse-grade suspension.
- Redesigned grill and headlight cluster. No word yet if the tail-light cluster will change dramatically from the current Ranger.
- Longer and wider body. The new Ranger is being designed by Ford Australia, with the previous models designed by Ford Japan's branch. Due to Japanese Transport laws, the bodies of the Ranger & BT-50's were limited to 1.5meters in width, however Australia's design team have increased the overall body-width to visually significant but unspecified dimensions. Unofficial reports say that the new Ranger will be approx. the same size as the current Hilux.
- Redesigned interior cabin. The new dashboard will resemble the current Ford Fiesta and Ford Fusion. The layout will be less spartan than the current model's and more ergonomic with better seat-support. The rear-seat legroom; previously a gripe with Ranger owners will also be increased by a significant amount - said to match the Navara for leg-space.
- Possibly new engines. *UNCONFIRMED* - The prototype spied being tested was shown using the 3.2L TDCi out of the Ford Transit (codenamed "PUMA"). Generating 150KW and 470NM, if this engine carries over to the production model then the new Ranger will produce more power & torque than even the new 2012 model Navara, making it the most powerful pickup on our roads. Otherwise, the current 2.5TDCi and 3.0TDCi would simply be carried over to the new model.
It's also rumored that the current Duratorq engines may be reworked into 2.2TDCI and a 3.2TDCI package, in comparison to the existing 2.5TDCI and 3.0TDCI engines available.
Latest spyshots of the Ranger being tested in California (with the finalized body design - no more BT-50 disguised test-mules):
The new Ranger's body is noticeably wider than the current PK model. Look at the three-bar grill that Ford has adopted, and what looks like a larger intercooler directly underneath that 3-bar grill (the older models have a smaller intercooler located near the bottom of the front bumper-opening). Also notice the foglight peeking out from the opening of the canvas on the lower left of the pic. And then on the A-pillar of the passenger side, notice the new grab-handle - similar to the Hilux's and not previously available on the older Ranger. This finalized prototype also has larger and wider wheels, most likely 17 or 18-inch wheels, hopefully this will make it to the production as a standard option (instead of 16-inch). Finally, you can see the undercarriage has some protective skid-plates, bolted under the engine.
The body is definitely longer and wider than the current 2010 model. Looks a bit taller too, with a little more ground-clearance on this model. The new, bigger mag-rims definitely add a more masculine, modern appearance.
The new coil-over shocks are barely visible within the front wheel-well (right click >> View Image >>> ctrl and "+" to magnify)
The cabin is also noticeably longer, looks like the rear-section will be as roomy as the current Navara.
Hard to tell from this picture cuz of the canvas, but the new taillight cluster looks like it'll be the same over-sized, safety-minded design as the current Ranger. The rear windshield will remain large & easy to see out of; a distinct advantage over the small rear-windshield of the current Hilux. Also, check out the huge amount of clearance between the rear diff and the road - it's gonna be a tall truck. There is also a new high-mounted stoplight on the rear of the roof.
Too bad Ford isn't giving us more about the overall final design of the Ranger. Lots of folks are anxiously awaiting the big reveal at the next major Auto Expo.
The UK/EURO-spec Ranger is currently being tested in California and Sweden.
MORE SPYSHOTS & REVEALING DETAILS
Look very closely at the left-sided headlight. Just under the canvas you can see that the outline is very angular, and the orange indicator can be seen on top of the right headlight, very close to the CGI-rendition released earlier this year:
You can also appreciate how large the new intercooler is, located right under the 3-bar grille.
Coil-over-shock suspension setup means a much smoother and refined ride. More like an SUV than a workhorse pickup.
INTERIOR SPY PHOTOS
The new 2012 Ranger will have an interior that's very similar to the Ford Fiesta. Rumor has it that a reversing camera will now be available, along with Ford's own "SYNC" intelligent drive (similar ot BMW's iDrive) and LCD screen display.
Look at the instrument cluster very closely and you'll notice a smaller LCD between the Odo and tachometer. This most likely will be a seconday display for vehicle info, such as trip-meter, fuel-gauge & mileage indicator, etc (similar to the Honda CRV).
CGI-rendition of the finished product. Looks like almost everything from the prototype has made it over to the final production model.
And there we go - the new 2012 Ford Ranger. Designed in Australia, tested in California, build in Thailand, to be sold in EURO/ASIAN markets (but not the US Market - the current US Ranger will be phased out in 2011 to make room for the new F-100, smaller and more efficient than the F-150).
Source 1Source 2
The 2012 Ford Ranger & Mazda BT-50 - THEY'RE HERE!!
