The saga of the next-generation Ford Ranger continues. An on- and off-again project for years, it appears as though Ford is going through with development of some kind of new small pickup.
This prototype was spotted on the streets of Dearborn, but whether or not this truck will ever be sold in the U.S. is far from certain. Ford currently sells a compact truck in world markets that uses a completely different platform than the ancient Ranger sold here.
Most speculation points to a shared platform for the next Ranger given Ford's drive to consolidate platforms across sales regions. And judging by this prototype, the new platform won't change dramatically from the current setup.
The biggest changes will most likely appear under the hood as Ford looks to improve the fuel economy of the Ranger. Expect to see Ecoboost four- and six-cylinder engines along with both manual and automatic transmissions. If it does come to the U.S., it won't be until 2012 at the earliest, so expect plenty of changes along the way.
e10rice says:
11:10 AM, 06/ 5/09
Thats a very odd ford badge in the front grill...looks more like a mazda badge! And seeing as the two like to share things (Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute), it doesnt surprise me that its on something ford is working on.
hondacura4 says:
11:26 AM, 06/ 5/09
Given the current Ranger architecture dates back to 1993 its about damn time Ford developed a new Ranger. This is loooooooooooooong overdue.
rsholland says:
11:27 AM, 06/ 5/09
It's a test mule, which are often cobbled together from various parts, hence the Mazda stuff you see.
firstwagon says:
11:35 AM, 06/ 5/09
I'm just hoping it stays the same size. The current Ranger is a good truck but it feels 20 years old even when new.
rsholland says:
11:38 AM, 06/ 5/09
This truck appears to be rather large, especially when compared to the current Ranger. I keep wondering if those bulging rear fenders mean 48"-wide paneling will lie flat on the bed floor. Also, is that bed 8' long? It sure appears to be.
eric808 says:
11:50 AM, 06/ 5/09
Let's just hope that this project stays for a long time and have Ford finally redesign the Ranger after a long time.
magbarn says:
11:52 AM, 06/ 5/09
Why the crap"boost" engines? Put in a 4-cyl common-rail diesel that should easily get 20+MPG & I'll be first in line for the new ranger.
uncanny_man says:
12:45 PM, 06/ 5/09
Those wheel flares are huge! I hope the production version doesn't keep those.
moparbad says:
01:58 PM, 06/ 5/09
http://www.mazda.com.au/Models/Current%20models/BT-50.aspx
BT-50
rick8365 says:
02:09 PM, 06/ 5/09
Just a sign that they are thinking of a new version of the Ranger is encouraging - FINALLY! To think that they let the truck from sales dominance(2 to 1 over next best Toyota at one point)to the relative non-player it is now is a crime.
The hood, front and rear fenders all look like they are grafted on camo - I actually hope that's the case, otherwise I'm not crazy about the look.
Magbarn - I'm with you, at least offer a small CRD...even if you have to source it.
Does anyone know whether or not diesel engined vehicles get applied to the CAFE average - for sure?
actualsize says:
02:57 PM, 06/ 5/09
It's a test mule, a type of prototype that mates new running gear with old bodywork so the powertrain and chassis can get sorted out independent of the new body. If a vehicle is getting wider or longer, off Frankenstein deformities like these fenders will appear.
Dearborn makes this a likely Ranger replacement, and the Mazda badge only enhances the camouflage and means that they'll still get a version.
What's nearly certain is that the new truck won't look much like this, and the cab and bed will be significantly larger than a BT50 or a Ranger. Ford seems to be giving the Ranger the same treatment that Toyota gave to the Tacoma and GM gave to the s-10/Colorado.
F-100, anyone?
rsholland says:
04:06 PM, 06/ 5/09
That's what I was thinking: F-100. I know that model was tabled, but this sure looks like an "F-100 Plan B."
rsholland says:
04:07 PM, 06/ 5/09
Hmmm... R-100 anyone?
greenpony says:
04:21 AM, 06/ 6/09
It is BT-50 bodywork, but with a noticeably steeper raked windshield.
redgeminipa says:
04:54 AM, 06/ 6/09
Actually, the current Ranger dates back to like ... um ... 1983. Ford just keeps tweaking things and slapping new headlights on it. Every 4 years it's been "ALL-NEW" ... ya know, traditional Ford style. They just kept the same cab since 1993. The "new" Ranger in '93 used the dash from the previous model (which signals same vehicle). The previous model obviously dates back to 1983. So, yeah... the new '09 Ranger parked in your driveway is really 26 years old. I think Ford is trying to set a world record with that truck. The Guinness Book of Records title will be: "The vehicle to see the most refreshes of a platform in history goes to the Ford Ranger." Even GM's full-size van (pre '96) didn't live quite that long.
rsholland says:
11:56 AM, 06/ 6/09
redgeminipa
Besides, the Model T Ford, and original Hitler-commissioned VW, I think the last-generation, pre-Sprinter Dodge van is right up there for long-lasting body styles. It debuted back in 1970 as the Dodge Tradesman/Sportsman. It's production run lasted 31 years.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Dodge_B-series_van
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_B_Series
mustang5507 says:
01:25 AM, 06/ 7/09
@redgeminipa
Looks like Ford outdid itself again then I see...Those sleek 1994-2004 Mustangs were really 1979's =). Just larger engines, and the lucky few who got Cobras with independent rear suspension.
urbc says:
06:30 AM, 06/ 7/09
They got everyone fooled!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEY5wycJtIE
zoomzoomn says:
04:10 AM, 06/10/09
While this is likely a Ford mule it is wearing Mazda prototype body work. Note the emblem on the grill.
zoomzoomn says:
04:15 AM, 06/10/09
"Actually, the current Ranger dates back to like ... um ... 1983"...Actually the Ranger name was used on the F series way before 1983. It started life as an options package on the F100 in the sixties, I believe. Before that Ford used the name on the Edsel!
duncanf says:
09:26 PM, 12/11/10
Despite all the basicaly 'unfounded' criticisms about the 'aged' Ford Ranger, it is a very capable small truck, user friendly, affordable and pleasent to drive. There is nothing 'wrong' with the truck, really. It has been tweaked, and refinded over years to the point that it is one of the most reliable small trucks on the road . . . and most affordable . . . and downright useful. What the hell is wrong with that? Seems very fitting for times of hardship where we best get ready for no changes, only updates, so as to be able to even own a pickup.
The main thing wrong with the Ranger is the bad-mouthing by magazine editors and writers professing to be experts about value, affordability, usefullness and capabilities. The bad-mouthing has been repeated so much that its lucky that it even sells in spite of its capabilities. Sorry, but today the truth is that the Ranger is just as 'new' and up-to-date as any other vehicle built for similar purposes which rolls off any production line at the same time! As a matter of fact, the current Ranger will 1), hold up to it's replacement (if any), and 2), it will be around a long time after all of the naysayers are dead and forgotten . . . doing just fine as Ford's little workhorse truck . . . the F-100 Ranger!