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While we wait for the F-150 SVT Raptor to be unveiled, Ford is offering European customers a sporty truck of its own: a Ranger with stripes! Although some media are labeling this the Le Mans edition, Ford's own release (which you can see after the jump) doesn't mention the name of the race anywhere. Nor should it, because a compact truck has about as little to do with endurance sports-car racing as a lampshade, except maybe if you're trying chart your own path out of town when the 24 hours are up and the roads are closed.

We use the term "iconic" a lot here, but the Performance Blue with twin white stripes running up the hood, over the roof and down the tail has become an icon for Ford performance vehicles, particularly on the other side of the pond. And that's pretty much all that sets this special edition Ranger Wildtrack apart from the standard production version, aside from some optional equipment – like ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, air-con and an off-road data pack – bundled in as standard. However, the stripy Ranger will only be offered in limited numbers, so European customers had better either act quick or get out the whitewash and paint roller.

[Source: Ford]

PRESS RELEASE:

FORD RANGER WILDTRAK AVAILABLE IN SPORTY 'PERFORMANCE BLUE' WITH GT STRIPES

Birmingham, April 15, 2008 – Ford of Europe is adding to its portfolio of sporty commercial vehicles by offering a limited number of Ranger Wildtrak models in signature Ford Performance Blue with white 'GT' stripes.

Performance Blue has become an established Ford colour with sporty connotations within the company's European passenger car portfolio and is now available on the SportKa, Focus ST and Fiesta ST performance models as well as the Fiesta Sport, Transit Sport and new Transit Connect Sport.

"The Wildtrak is our range-topping model within the Ranger series and Performance Blue is a great colour for this vehicle," explained Henrik Nenzen, Director Commercial Vehicles, Marketing, Sales & Service. "Performance Blue has become a signature Ford colour and a popular choice on Ford's passenger cars all over Europe, as well as more recently injecting added vibrancy and emotion to our medium-sized commercial range."

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a highly specified model with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), air conditioning, heated front seats and an off-road information centre as standard equipment. The powerful 3.0-litre
Duratorq TDCi 156 PS engine – paired with a five-speed manual transmission – was launched last spring and is standard on Ranger Wildtrak. This powertrain completes the package on this very capable, stylish, and dependable pick-up.

The prominent Ford GT-style white stripes extend across the bonnet, over the cab roof and continue down the rear and are a standard feature of the Ranger Wildtrak when specified in Performance Blue.

"The Ranger Wildtrak in Performance Blue is available in limited numbers only across Europe, so customers are advised to place their orders with their Ford dealer early to avoid disappointment," added Nenzen.