Ford Ranger comes in militarized look

Ford Ranger is among the hottest-selling vehicles in the Australian market and it is not wrong to say that Ford can found its foot-stamped due to it. Recently, the powerful Ranger was observed in a completely new look, yes the model has gone through the military treatment and the Australian market is expecting that it may come to the country.

Ricardo, a military consultant, and engineering firm has formed a concept vehicle based on the Ranger with the intent to use in defence policing, security and rescue services. The transformed Ranger was showcased in the UK this week and before this, it has already been presented to the UK and Europe defence forces.

Though it has not been to Australia yet, upon asking about that, Paul Tarry, Ricardo’s special vehicle director quoted, “We have worked with the Australian forces on previous projects and would be happy to discuss this demonstrator with them.” So, it can be expected that it may come to Australia.

The Ford Ranger Defence pack is equipped with

• Ring mounted weapon system for keeping the high powered guns  
• An armoured ballistic underfloor, and armoured glass
• Heavy-duty but lightweight front and rear bumpers
• Rock slider to protect side sills
• Upgraded springs, shock absorbers, brakes, heavy-duty wheels, and all-terrain tyres
• Improved water protection
• Heavy-duty tow hitch at the rear

The interior transformations include:

• Four-point seat belt harnesses 
• Heavy-duty covers to prevent mud
• 24V electrical system for power boost needed for defence vehicle applications

About the mechanical bits of the military-grade Ford Ranger, it is known that the vehicle will be equipped with Ford’s twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel mated with Ford’s 10-speed auto transmission. However, the showcased vehicle is incorporated with a 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit. 

Apart from this, Ricardo holds an impressive history of creating vehicles for the defence, which mainly include a fleet of WMIK light attack Land Rovers, twin-clutch gearbox for the Bugatti Veyron in 2005, and win turbo 3.8-litre V8 for McLaren in 2010.

Also read: Ford Ranger Wildtrak X special edition on sale, limited to 1000 units