There’s a reason why pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger is trusted by workmen of all sorts – not only do you have space at the back for all your tools and equipment, they’re also built tough to handle all sorts of tough environments. Some work, though, require more ruggedness, so the Blue Oval has now unveiled the Ford Ranger Super Duty for the proper hardcore.
Ford says the Ranger Super Duty is “designed for work”, with several factory-fitted additions that “[eliminates] the need for costly aftermarket modifications”.
It certainly looks the part, with several new exterior touches – like the variant-exclusive domed bonnet, squared, wider wheel arches, and the open-weave mesh grille in front – all hinting at the truck’s true capabilities. They’re not just here for looks, however. Ford says that every design elements “have purpose”.
There’s a new frame-mounted steel bumper in front for better protection to the radiator and headlights when going offroad, front bash plate for underbody protection (and increased approach, rampover and departure angles), additional attachment points for mounting driving lights, and the massive 33-inch all-terrain tyres, wrapped around the 18-inch wheels, also give the Ford Ranger Super Duty better ground clearance, and obviously more grip.
Wrapping up the exterior changes are the snorkel air intake designed with Safari, as well as taller wing mirrors, which will give drivers an even better view out back – especially if you’re towing a large trailer at the back (the Super Duty is now rated for a towing capacity of up to 4,500 kg).
Inside, the Ford Ranger Super Duty earns its badge with several functional additions, including an (optional) Integrated Device Mounting system for drivers to tack on a larger screen or device in the cabin, audilary switches on the overhead console to power other devices, as well as built-in on board scales to ensure your load doesn’t exceed the car’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating.
Despite its rugged focus, the Ford Ranger Super Duty still comes equipped with a wide range of driver assistance features, with an additional “rear driver assistance technology bar” to enable those features for cab-chassis truck buyers.
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The heavy duty pickup also benefits from several under-the-skin changes, including a heavier-duty frame, upgraded axles, thicker driveshafts, as well as rear locking differentials.
No details have been divulged yet on its powertrain, but it’s expected to feature the marque’s most powerful 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, making some 250 hp and 600 Nm of torque. As usual, it should also be mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, as well as a part-time four-wheel drive system.
The Ford Ranger Super Duty will be built in Thailand, and will be available in Australia starting in the middle of next year.
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