Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted?
As previously reported, Ford's Australian arm is currently developing a new global small truck platform that will underpin the next Ford Ranger here in the United States. Codenamed T6, the truck is likely to be offered in both standard and extended cab configurations and offer various gas and diesel powerplants depending on the country it's sold in.An eagle-eyed spy shooter in Australia managed to snap off a series of photos of the T6 Ranger out and about in the land of Oz being tested in predictably camouflaged form. Although it may look like a mangled Mazda BT-50, those body panels have only been fitted to mask the pickup's true identity. Previous reports suggest that a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder powerplant with roughly 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque will be offered here in the States. Assuming the new truck does in fact make the trip to America, expect it to show up in 2012.
[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
versionII 8:48AM (6/02/2009)
Why do Ford and GM create specific cars for different regions instead of current models engineered for specific regions?
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refugee7 9:31AM (6/02/2009)
Most companies cater to different markets. For example, the Accord is not the same in the United States and Japan.
C.W. 11:16AM (6/02/2009)
correct. every car company does this. market research has historically proven asian markets, australians, europeans and americans approve and disapprove of certain styling, powertrains and even suspension setups. A nightmare for auto design teams.
however, the 2012 ranger is being developed as another truly global vehicle with the aussies taking the lead. it's pretty much what we'll be getting here stateside.
Tomac 9:04AM (6/02/2009)
Interesting-- and the Ranger seriously needs to be updated-- but I still say there's a market need for a true compact (subcompact?) pickup truck. Everyone's "small" pickup has put on serious size and weight over the years. I'd like to see Ford bring back the Courier. A small, budget-priced, lightweight, RWD pickup would sell well to small business owners in the construction field (and others). Offer only 4-cylinder engines, make certain the base transmission is a manual, and don't weigh the thing down with too many options. I'd prefer such a vehicle over a car just as a daily runabout.
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Alex 9:08AM (6/02/2009)
My money goes to the first company that brings a small diesel powered truck to the states, be it Ford, Toyota, or even Mihandra. I don't need an F-150 or anythign that size. I'm just carting around motocross bikes, mulch, little lumber. You know, dad stuff.
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Justin 9:14AM (6/02/2009)
Alex, couldnt have said it better myself. My 1989 Toyota pickup is still kicking...but it won't be forever.
I don't understand why all trucks got so massive. You can haul around a ton of stuff in the smaller pickups, without needing some hulking monstrosity. It's like they let the small truck market die on vine.
Cellien 10:16AM (6/02/2009)
I'm the same. I have an 08 2.3l 5" lifted Ranger w/ a 4.56 gear ratio. It does everything I need! I pull my jetski, haul dirt, transport crap, use it for camping, tote my ATV.. and I *AVG* 25 mpg. Never got lower than 23 and got 28 a few times.
I'd love my next Ranger to be quad-cab 4x4 with a 4 cyl diesel so I can pull a boat and have all the power and capability I'll personally ever need.
Greg Aryous 10:35AM (6/02/2009)
Here's the problem: Diesel engine is a very expensive premium $4K-$5K - would you pay that? Probably not... Instead, what about an F150 with a 2.5L I4 EcoBoost making 280-300Hp and torque, plus it gets 25+ mpg for less than a $1K premium.
Which would you buy? Probably the larger F150 because you get "more truck" for nearly the same (or less) money... and gas is usually cheaper than diesel too!
Cornholio 11:57AM (6/02/2009)
Greg, that's the exact mentality that Ford and GM have used to justify their crappy small truck offerings over the past numerous years. But for some, THE F-150 IS TOO BIG. Not everyone needs a full-size truck, and there's no point in hauling around all that extra metal when a compact truck will do. Put an efficient powertrain in it and it makes even more sense.
TT 3:38PM (6/03/2009)
I would pay a $4k premium for a diesel option on a new Ranger as long as the engine was appropriately high tech, like the difference between a gas and diesel in the full-size trucks. I agree not everyone wants such a huge truck to drive around all the time. My dad's Ranger is way more fun to drive around than my in-laws' F150 because it's so small and light, and can fit into tighter spaces. I'm sure Ford could make a small diesel that would get 40+mpg and still make a 25mpg F150 look like a guzzler while retaining the capability to do all the work that most people would ever want from it. My in-laws never haul anything in their F150 while my dad uses his Ranger to haul and tow stuff all the time.
Or, how about a $2k option for a 2.5 Ecoboost with 300hp and a six speed manual so you could haul some ass while hauling some lumber.
L1011 9:15AM (6/02/2009)
Even though it's a spy shot, it's still quite ugly. I'd rather have a 1995 Tacoma thanks.
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Acfsambo 10:10AM (6/02/2009)
Tomac. This is a medium sized ute (atleast in Australia), as we have smaller utes, such as the Proton Jumbuck.
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Tomac 1:09PM (6/02/2009)
In the U.S. it would be a "medium" truck as well, considering all of our compact trucks have evolved into larger ones. Good for the Aussies that they have smaller options. Alas, the U.S. Ranger is probably the smallest one available to Americans, and if Ford were to replace it with this "T6" it will be sized similarly to Tacomas and Frontiers.
yankee 10:48AM (6/02/2009)
wish they would hurry my 95 ranger is starting to rust but at 202000 mi the motor has never been opened
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geoff 12:46PM (6/02/2009)
If Ford doesn't bother to offer a turbodiesel option here in the United States, then I won't even consider this truck.
And to answer a previous responders question about whether I would pay a $4000-$5000 premium for the diesel option: HELL YES!
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P.V. 5:31PM (6/02/2009)
Aside from the US, doesn't the rest of the world share the same Ranger? I mean, how is this different from the Thai-DM Ranger we saw a while ago?
Anyway, I really want to see a competitive compact truck like the non-USDM Ranger in the US!
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tastycarp 6:38PM (6/24/2009)
Spotted these getting around Geelong. They have a hilux bumper and grill on them as camouflage
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