Rick's Love Child

We’re still smarting over the fact that American buyers won’t get a chance to sample the goodness that is the new global Ford Ranger, and now the guys and gals at the Blue Oval have set about salting that wound. The company’s engineers decided to show off exactly how powerful the little truck is, so they strapped it to a 160-ton locomotive and pulled the engine out of its berth. The Ranger came packing its TDCi diesel 3.2-liter inline five-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission and equipped with a low-range transfer case, the pickup appears to have no problem lugging the T-class diesel-electric locomotive out of storage.

After watching the video, we’ve got to agree with the decision makers at Ford. Absolutely no one on this side of the world would ever want a small diesel pickup truck with a towing capacity of over 6,600 lbs. We’re not bitter. Honest.





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gospeed81

iTrader: (51)

I understand why they make these marketing choices...but I don't understand how they expect American buyers to ever change when we DON'T have choices.

Happens all the time with motorcycles. Folks beg and plead for a Euro model, they bring it over, and then just because it doesn't sell like hotcakes they ax it the next year and never bring anything else but supersports and cruisers over.

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

I would buy the hell out of that thing. I think part of the problem is, when they bring it over here, they charge out the butt for the diesel.

Ben

iTrader: (33)

Wow, cool little truck.

The reason why we don't get these cool diesels is California's emissions policies. The very fact that we allow California to lead the way with any type of reform is mind boggling to me.

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

We need a new ranger. Its been basically unchanged since the early 90's. Front sheet metal, and trim packages, that's about it. Hell, the interior has hardly changed.

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

Truth. Just don't sell it to the hippies over there and let them change their laws if they want it. Pretty soon, people will have to wear catalytic converters on their asses over there because it contributes to green house gasses.

samnavy

iTrader: (7)

I had a 2000 XLT 4dr 3.0... put a few goodies on it, towed some small stuff, was an awesome truck. I was a member of Ranger PowerSports and the forum went on a mailing campaign to persuade Ford to bring the full-size 4-dr to the states. You can get it in Mexico but not in Canada or the US. We figured a 4-dr Ranger would take away sales from the 4-dr Explorer truck thing which probably made more money.

EVERYBODY makes a 4dr compact truck now except Ford.

Stealth97

iTrader: (5)

Ive owned two rangers, an '84 with the 2.8 that just would not quit and a badass '03 edge with the 3.0 and a 5 speed, both awesome trucks. If I could get one with a real 4 door cab I'd buy it, I just don't like the sport trac or the other current offerings. If I were to buy now I'd settle for an older datsun 4 banger extended cab it I could find a nice one. Great MPG and styling IMO

scottyd

That would be an awesome truck. Just for the motor.