You can get up close and personal to the Wildtrak trim level.
The new Ford Ranger has been featured in many official images and videos. However, these rarely tell the whole story as the assets provided to a manufacturer are often heavily processed to make it look as good as possible. This is understandable when you’re launching a new product and want to create as much buzz as possible. We are more interested in seeing real-life photos and videos.
The Blue Oval invited CarExpert from Australia to shoot the next generation mid-size pickup truck in Wildtrack specification. This trim level is not available in the USA on the T6 Ranger that we will be using for a while. However, it is a part of the lineup in other markets. It serves as the flagship version, which is off-road-ready, once you remove the all-conquering Raptor.
CarExpert also learned directly from Ford that the next-gen Ranger was designed with electrification and the identical body-on-frame Everest vehicle. The hybrid configuration will be available in the Amarok, which is due to be redesigned in 2022. Ford fitted a V6 turbodiesel to the Ranger-based VW truck because so many people bought their Amaroks with this larger engine. The six-cylinder engine is used in almost all Amaroks sold in Australia.
It is possible that the electrified setup will include a hybrid powertrain, which could be combined with a PHEV with an undisclosed range. They should be available before the end of the decade. In the meantime, the Ranger will be joined by the gasoline V6-powered Raptor, which will be revealed in February.
A related point is that VW has been heavily involved in the development of the new Ranger since late 2016. This means that the Amarok will not be a rebodied Ford pickup. The teasers so far have suggested that it will look very different. It would seem that the modifications are going deep despite being built on the same platform.
The T6 Ranger’s updated architecture will underpin both. However, the rear suspension dampers will now be moved to the side of the frame rails. This allows for more comfort and a larger load bed. The wheelbase has been extended by 50mm (almost 2 inches) and the body has been increased by the same amount. Other than the Raptor, other gasoline engines may be available and will slot above the already announced EcoBoost 2.3-liter while still being below the V6.