If Ford brings back the Ranger, will they make a Raptorized version?

[haven]

http://jalopnik.com/it-looks-like-ford-is-making-a-ranger-raptor-1796419484

Ford says it's likely they will introduce a midsize pickup to the USA market in a couple of years, and will probably call it the Ranger. But will Ford produce a midsize version of the Raptor? The linked article shares photos of a Ranger prototype with Raptor-like fender flares and increased ground clearance.

It's looking like 2020 will see a four-way battle royale between Tacoma, Colorado, Ranger and Jeep for the midsize off-road pickup crown. Ford may have the edge in the power department. The 2.7L Ecoboost V6 is already making 325 hp and 375 ft lb of torque in the F150.

 

[Halligan]

I'm sure they will have a package to compete with Z71 and TRD trucks.

 

[SDDiver5]

I hope they don't. The F150 raptor is so unique and dominates the competition that if they made a ranger raptor version it would just lower F150 raptor sales. But like said above, I believe they will have something like an FX4 package.

 

[haven]

I wonder if Ford will use aluminum body panels on the new Ranger, like they do on the F150 and Expedition? The full size aluminum F150 is only a couple of hundred pounds heavier than a similarly equipped but steel bodied Tacoma or Colorado. (E.g., lightest 2017 Tacoma 3980 lb, lightest F150 4051 lb according to online sources).

 

[Airmapper]

I wonder if Ford will use aluminum body panels on the new Ranger, like they do on the F150 and Expedition? The full size aluminum F150 is only a couple of hundred pounds heavier than a similarly equipped but steel bodied Tacoma or Colorado. (E.g., lightest 2017 Tacoma 3980 lb, lightest F150 4051 lb according to online sources).

Light pickups are notorious for traction issues as it is due to the reduced weight over the drive wheels, while it sounds good to reduce weight, I wonder if doing so might push beyond a point of diminishing returns and create a vehicle that is unstable to the point wet roads might be a hazard, not to mention killing off road capability to a point. As it is I see a lot of light pickup owners carrying dead weight in the bed solely to increase traction.

 

[cozydog]

I see quite a few of the ranger wildtraks here in Southern Africa but it looks more of a cosmetic and tech package then off-road.

Looks like they are also in the AU market
http://www.caradvice.com.au/447735/2016-ford-ranger-wildtrak-review/

 

[Ryanmb21]

Light pickups are notorious for traction issues as it is due to the reduced weight over the drive wheels, while it sounds good to reduce weight, I wonder if doing so might push beyond a point of diminishing returns and create a vehicle that is unstable to the point wet roads might be a hazard, not to mention killing off road capability to a point. As it is I see a lot of light pickup owners carrying dead weight in the bed solely to increase traction.

What!?

 

[Raul B]

I hope they don't.. I would think they would want to compete with the Tacoma trd and make a good offroad worthy midsize truck... That being said I'm more interested to see what they do with the Bronco.

 

[Dalko43]

Please Ford, just give us the version of the Ranger (or something similar) to what the Aussie's get. We don't need a mini-Raptor. An inline 5 diesel or a torquey yet reliable turbo gasoline engine will do just fine...no need for the massive power and trick suspension for going off jumps. Trying to turn this thing into a mini-Raptor will compromise payload and towing, which the mid-sized pickup's are already low on.

I love how many of the Domestic companies are really trying to innovate and push the envelope when it comes to truck and 4x4 development...but we don't need another desert runner. A reliable and simple 4x4 with half-decent payload and towing will do just fine.

 

[SDDiver5]

Please Ford, just give us the version of the Ranger (or something similar) to what the Aussie's get. We don't need a mini-Raptor. An inline 5 diesel or a torquey yet reliable turbo gasoline engine will do just fine...no need for the massive power and trick suspension for going off jumps. Trying to turn this thing into a mini-Raptor will compromise payload and towing, which the mid-sized pickup's are already low on.

I love how many of the Domestic companies are really trying to innovate and push the envelope when it comes to truck and 4x4 development...but we don't need another desert runner. A reliable and simple 4x4 with half-decent payload and towing will do just fine.

If they do go that route I sincerely hope the completely change the design and look of it...I cant stand the look of the aussie Ranger. Looks too much like a new era Honda Ridgeline.

 

[p nut]

The 2.7L is plenty motor for my F150. The Ranger would fly with that motor. I'm assuming it would get the 3.3L V6 and 2.7L EB options. Maybe the 3.0 PS to compete with the Canyon/Colorado.
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I don't think they need a Raptor version. Probably need more of an off-road version than anything else (the FX4 package is garbage). If I were to get one, I'd get the 2.7L, lowest gearing with an e-locker, and if available, bigger gas tank. Done.

 

[Dalko43]

If they do go that route I sincerely hope the completely change the design and look of it...I cant stand the look of the aussie Ranger. Looks too much like a new era Honda Ridgeline.

Form will always take a backseat to function in my eyes...and by many accounts the global Ranger's on and offroad functionality has rivaled venerable platforms like the Hilux.

The 2.7L is plenty motor for my F150. The Ranger would fly with that motor. I'm assuming it would get the 3.3L V6 and 2.7L EB options. Maybe the 3.0 PS to compete with the Canyon/Colorado.
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I don't think they need a Raptor version. Probably need more of an off-road version than anything else (the FX4 package is garbage). If I were to get one, I'd get the 2.7L, lowest gearing with an e-locker, and if available, bigger gas tank. Done.

My sentiments exactly. As much as I'd admire the Raptor, I think less is more with a midsized pickup. Atleast a rear locker (if not a front one as well), a reliable engine, a suspension with good payload/towing ratings and I think a lot of people will be happy.

 

[Clutch]

If they do go that route I sincerely hope the completely change the design and look of it...I cant stand the look of the aussie Ranger. Looks too much like a new era Honda Ridgeline.

Wouldn't worry too much...'Murica version will most definitely go over board with the machismo styling...

I happen to like the OZ version, and the Ridgeline...quite comfortable with my manhood....surely don't need a giant codpiece grill on the front of my pick 'em up truck to prove it.

Really can't stand the overcompensating styling of trucks today. Who is the target market, teenage boys and middle-age men with a prescription to viagra?

If I were to get one, I'd get the 2.7L, lowest gearing with an e-locker, and if available, bigger gas tank. Done.

I think less is more with a midsized pickup. Atleast a rear locker (if not a front one as well), a reliable engine, a suspension with good payload/towing ratings and I think a lot of people will be happy.

Yes please

 

[p nut]

Form will always take a backseat to function in my eyes...and by many accounts the global Ranger's on and offroad functionality has rivaled venerable platforms like the Hilux...

Yeah, I don't mind the look, either. Actually, to me, it looks more like the Tacoma than a Ridgeline. By the way, I love those tie down points on the outside of the bed on the Ranger.

Wouldn't worry too much...'Murica version will most definitely go over board with the machismo styling...

I happen to like the OZ version, and the Ridgeline...quite comfortable with my manhood....surely don't need a giant codpiece grill on the front of my pick 'em up truck to prove it.

Really can't stand the overcompensating styling of trucks today. Who is the target market, teenage boys and middle-age men with a prescription to viagra?

Hey hey, easy! Manhood thing aside, I actually like the newer truck designs than some of the older trucks. But really, don't mind the looks on on most trucks. I'm pretty tolerant, but that Titan....just can't stomach that.

 

[Clutch]

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Yeah, I don't mind the look, either. Actually, to me, it looks more like the Tacoma than a Ridgeline. By the way, I love those tie down points on the outside of the bed on the Ranger.

Willing to bet that most people don't even know what those "thingies" are on the side of the bed...

Hey hey, easy! Manhood thing aside, I actually like the newer truck designs than some of the older trucks. But really, don't mind the looks on on most trucks. I'm pretty tolerant, but that Titan....just can't stomach that.

Ha ha....gaaaad I really can't giant cod piece grills that are in fashion now-a-days, I am not as tolerant as you...I wince every time I see 'em...which is often! probably why I my crow's feet by my eyes are getting worse and worse...

Nissan has a special, every Titan purchase you get a free 55 gallon drum of John Thomas on Attention pills....