2012 Ford Ranger Spied

[TMN]

Source: SEMA

Ford hasn’t said officially what, if anything, will replace the U.S.-built Ford Ranger when production ends in 2011. But recent spy shots from Brenda Priddy's network of shooters point to a new, globally-produced small pickup taking its place by 2012. Priddy says she hasn't confirmed whether the new truck will carry over the Ranger name or instead use the F-100 designation.

These engineering mules look like facelifted versions of the Mazda BT-50 sold outside the U.S., which shares a common platform with the Thai-built overseas Ford Ranger. But inside sources tell Priddy that the taped and cobbled-together panels hide the mechanicals and running gear of Ford’s next-generation global small pickup.

That new pickup will likely mean that all Ford Ranger models would be built on a single global platform, dubbed "T6." The current overseas Ford Ranger shares only its name with the Ranger built for North America.

The various T6 test trucks spotted by Priddy photographers are configured in both left- and right-hand drive versions, are longer and wider than the current overseas Ranger, and are powered by diesel and gas engines.

"An industry source says the T6 Ranger for the U.S. will likely be powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder, direct injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing at least 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft," Priddy says. "Ford's 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, rated at 154 horsepower and 280 lb-ft, is expected to be carried over in the new truck for buyers outside the U.S"

[chiefstang]

Boy, I hope that is some intentionally horrible looking cladding. Not so much the black tape, but the shape of the front end and grill is hideous. It doesn't seem to mesh with any of Ford's brand-wise styling. No car "three bar" grill, and no truck "H" grill. Here's hoping they just glued that Kia looking monstrosity on there to fool us.

I also hope they don't make it mid sized. It's kinda nice having the only compact truck on the market.

If it's midsized, and looks like a Kia, we're f*cked.

[chiefstang]

Also: Where 'ya been, Sam? Did Ford force you to take another roadtrip in some amazing new car?

Spill the beans, dude!

I'll wait...

[TMN]

I dont think that anything we see in these photos is at all representative of what the real vehicle will look like for the American market.

It appears to me this test mule body is patched together from some various things and even a purpose built few pieces that serve nothing other than to be place holders to allow testing of the chassis and drivetrain. The bed for instance, screams made in the metal shop to be a bed, not the bed. The cab and FE looks like it is the current Mazda BT-50 for foreign markets as the article states. (shown below)

Makes for a good test mule that does not have to be disguised all that much because it has no relation to what will be on the showroom in the States someday. When you start seeing these things more camoed up, you will know the real deal is coming together. I think the only visual cues you can take from this mule and apply to what the next Ranger will look like is its larger mid-size profile and the 6-lug pattern for the wheels. Beyond that, there is nothing in the way of styling to glean from this thing.

Remember that the Ford Flex was driving around the streets of Dearborn for years under the skin of a stretched out Ford Freestyle that was barely distinguishable from a normal one. Nobody even knew.

Where have I been? Busy