Ford’s attacking the truck segment on all fronts as they’re working on a compact Maverick, an electric F-150 Lightning and a redesigned Ranger.
Speaking of the latter, spy photographers have snapped a handful of Ranger prototypes undergoing testing in Michigan.
The most notable of the bunch is the prototype that was caught alongside the current Ranger Tremor. The two trucks have a similar appearance, but the camouflaged prototype appears to have more muscular bodywork. The redesigned model also appears slightly longer and the extra room should help to further distance the mid-size truck from the upcoming Maverick.
Also Read: Next-Generation Ford Ranger Spied, Is Shaping Up To Be A Baby F-150
While the two trucks look similarly rugged, the prototype is equipped with less extreme 255/65 R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires. The Tremor, on the other hand, has 265/70 R17 General Grabber rubber.
Interestingly, the truck has ‘sweeper-style’ rear suspension camouflage that is similar to what the company used on F-150 Raptor prototypes. There’s no word on what the company is trying to hide, but the Ranger has rear leaf springs instead of the Raptor’s coils.
As for the other prototypes, they’re less disguised and this gives us a pretty good look at the front end. As you can see, the model will follow in the footsteps of the F-150 and feature a prominent grille that is flanked by vertical headlights as well as LED daytime running lights.
Furthermore, a Super Cab prototype was spotted with a sport bar that echoes the one found on the Ranger Wildtrak. This seems to suggest the Wildtrak trim could be added to the U.S. lineup, after the redesigned model is launched.
Ford has been tight-lipped about the upcoming pickup, but it’s expected to ride on an upgraded version of the T6 platform like the Bronco. The two models could potentially share engine options and this means there could be a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with around 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque as well as a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 developing 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. Of course, previous reports have suggested those estimates were conservative.
Ford is also working on a new Ranger Raptor that could use either the aforementioned V6 or the Bronco Warthog’s rumored 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. The latter is said to produce up to 400 hp (298 kW /406 PS) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque.
Regardless of what’s under the hood, Ford has previously suggested the next-generation Ranger will debut early next year.
