Ford reveals torturous Ranger development in Australian outback

FORD has released a promotional video for the next-generation of Ford Ranger, showing the car’s rigorous development program.

Expected to arrive in Australia next year, the ‘T7’ platform which underpins the Ranger, Everest, and yet-to-be-revealed Bronco was developed and engineered Down Under at Ford’s You Yangs proving ground.

Angled firmly at the US market, the video is designed to build hype for the dual-cab ute’s introduction to the American continent, and singles out the car’s testing process in the Australian Outback.

US-spec Rangers will be fitted with a 2.3-litre turborcharged Ecoboost four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a 10-speed automatic.

No Australian-delivered Rangers will be available with the petrol engine.

However, it is rumoured the Ranger could be sold with a single-turbo version of the twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine to be fitted to the Ranger Raptor, which should be due locally in September.

The video shows the Ranger being put through a number of punishing tests, including driving over a road so rough the vehicle has to be piloted by a robot, and some enthusiastic circle work in the Australian Outback.

The dusty donuts probably aren’t an official development, but a nice homage to the car’s true blue roots.

Wheels contacted Ford for clarification on how much of the new Ranger’s development was conducted locally.