EARLIER THIS YEAR Ford’s Ranger ute received a minor cosmetic update, but further changes are already in store for the medium-weight commercial load lugger.
These spy photos show a front treatment that’s almost unchanged (this mule appears to be wearing a front bumper purloined from the current Mazda BT-50 range), however it’s the subtler differences that will make the new Ranger a more practical, more robust beast.
Those rather pronounced wheelarch bulges won’t make it to the production version, but they do hide a body that’s wider and longer than the current model.
The increase in width will also translate into improved stability, as track width will also grow slightly. Cabin space will benefit too, with the rear seats expected to be more spacious.
We’ve yet to hear any solid word on the new Ranger’s engine range, but word on the street is that the 3.0 litre diesel presently used will carry over.
Both diesel and petrol engines are said to be under test, and T6 Ranger mules have been spotted in dual-cab, king-cab and LHD form.
The new Ranger will be a global car for Ford, and Ford Australia is taking the lead in the car’s development. Development of the new Ranger will supposedly benefit Ford Aus to the tune of $700 million, while approximately 450 local engineers are involved in the project.
The T6 Ranger will go on sale globally, with production to be carried out in South Africa, Thailand and the USA. No local production is planned.
