Ford Ranger build on a strong heritage

Ford Motor Company on Wednesday announced plans to start production of its new Ranger pickup model in Thailand by mid-2011, barring major disruptions in parts supplies from disaster-hit Japan.

Ford, which has a joint venture with Mazda Motor Corp to manufacture oneton pickup trucks in Thailand, has been monitoring the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters in Japan to see how they impact the flow of automotive parts from Japan-based suppliers to their factory in Thailand. The Ranger is a new one-ton pickup model that is part of Ford’s global products lineup. More muscle under the bonnet Taut, toned muscularity and a bold, confident stance instantly signal the strength and capability of an ultra-modern pickup truck.

Yet it also communicates a transformed, more sophisticated and refined style that appeals to a new generation of truck owners. The best of Ford’s design language also have been applied to the interior. Borrowing cues from ergonomically-designed power tools like DEWALT®1, and encasing instruments in a protective shell like a G-Shock®2 watch, designers were inspired to blend form and function while ensuring the instruments are clearly visible for the driver. Ample storage is provided throughout the interior cabin with up to 20 storage locations. Ford Ranger introduces three new engines to Ford’s compact pickup truck range globally: A new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS).

A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful 470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW (200 PS). A 2.5-litre Ford Duratec I4 petrol engine with more power at 122 kW (166 PS). It can be configured for E100 flexible fuel capability or aftermarket upfitted to run on CNG or LPG.

Selected Ford Ranger powertrains benefit from the advantages of lower engine rpm and reduced wear and tear, with sixspeed automatic and manual transmissions available across selected models. Transmissions and final drive ratios have been carefully matched to deliver exceptional acceleration, excellent fuel efficiency and a quiet ride.

Grade Control Logic

The new Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been extensively tuned to deliver smooth, quick shifts almost imperceptibly to the driver, reinforcing the car-like refinement of the new Ranger. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Sport mode.

This provides later shift points and the driver can manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement. It also features another smart Ford technology - Grade Control Logic. It automatically downshifts on a downhill grade when sufficient brake pressure is sensed, adding to the all-new Ford Ranger’s towing and hauling capabilities. The Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with a well-proven electronically controlled transfer case that allow drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via an electronic switch conveniently located on the console.

If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low-range gearing also can be enabled. Chassis control Off-road performance has been improved with a stiffer frame, ground clearance of up to 232 millimetres and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail and out of harm’s way.

Up front, the entire suspension is brand new. A new coil-over-strut suspension allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design and has been tuned with specific damper valving and spring rates on all models to compensate for weight, centre of gravity, engine torque and drive distribution.

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