Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it?

Ford's recent strategy of combining all of its vehicles from around the world on a single set of platforms may finally bring a new Ranger small pickup truck to the United States once the current model loses its long-running lease on life after the 2011 model year. Spy shooters from the other side of the world have snapped off a series of photos of Ford engineers out testing what appears to be the Blue Oval's next-gen small truck platform in both right- and left-hand-drive configurations.
The new platform is apparently codenamed T6 and it is being developed in Australia. Here in the States, the next Ranger (if we get one) is likely to be offered with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fortified with Ford's EcoBoost technology. Expect around 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged and direct injected mill. Unfortunately, we're not likely to see Ford's 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the U.S., though we'd love to have access to its 280 lb-ft of twist. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

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