All-New Ford Ranger Powers Ahead for Fuel Efficiency with Potent Diesel and Petrol Engines
- Two new Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines – 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre – and a proven 2.5-litre Ford Duratec petrol engine lead the all-new Ford Ranger’s push for class-leading fuel efficiency
- New six-speed transmissions on diesel models deliver increased fuel economy and driving refinement. Ranger is the first pickup in its segment with a six-speed automatic transmission
- Engineers paid special attention to gear ratios, tyres and aerodynamics to ensure Ranger takes the lead in fuel efficiency
Bangkok, Thailand, 23 Mar., 2011 – The all-new global Ford Ranger delivers more while sipping less, thanks to highly fuel-efficient engines that give the truck the power and torque to get the job done without burning a hole in the owner’s pocket.
These engines are at the heart of Ranger’s exceptional capability and have been developed to suit a spectrum of uses.
There are two new Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines – a 2.2-litre four-cylinder with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS); and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine with a stump-pulling torque of 470 Nm and power rated at 147 kW (200PS). The 2.5-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine produces 226 Nm of torque and outstanding power of 122 kW (166 PS).
For the first time, selected Ranger diesel models will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to provide reduced engine rpm and extend its range on long highway trips or in city traffic. This also makes Ranger the first pickup of its class to get a six-speed automatic transmission. Petrol models have a standard five-speed manual transmission.
The all-new Ranger comes in 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains and two ride heights with the 4x2 Hi-Rider sharing the same frame as the 4x4 model.
A variety of final drive ratios, from 3.31 to 5.3, will be available depending on the drive configuration and whether the vehicle is a low- or high-ride model. This helps owners configure Ranger when it is heavily loaded, provides strong off-the-line acceleration and excellent pulling characteristics, and optimises fuel economy.
Delivering low fuel costs
Each Ranger engine can more than hold its own among competitors when it comes to fuel consumption.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine achieves best-in-class fuel economy, with a two-wheel drive model consuming just 9.8 L/100 km in a combined cycle . Utilising variable intake cam geometry to provide the optimal balance of power output and fuel economy, its power output increased 24 percent over the previous-generation engine to 122 kW (166 PS) at 6000 rpm.
Numerous refinements have also been made to the new diesel engines, including the implementation of the latest in fuel delivery technology with a new high-pressure fuel system. The fuel system has been precisely tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency and achieves exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels.
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine comes with three different power outputs and can be mated to either the five- or six-speed transmissions, giving customers even greater choice. When fitted to a 4x2 model, it consumes as little as 7.6 L/100 km in a combined cycle1, making it one of the most fuel-efficient pickups in the segment.
The 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine that starred in a Ford experiment where Ranger towed a 160-tonne steam locomotive proves that it can be as fuel-efficient as it is powerful. Its fuel consumption in a combined cycle is among the leaders in this area, ranging from 8.4 L/100 km on a 4x2 variant to 9.6 L/100 km on a full-option 4x4 model1.
These exceptional figures will give Ranger – fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank – a range of more than 1000 km on selected models before having to stop for a fill-up. All the engines have also been calibrated to meet the most stringent emission standards in the markets where Ranger will be sold.
New six-speed transmissions for Ranger
The all-new Ranger features new automatic and manual six-speed transmissions for increased responsiveness and fuel efficiency.
The automatic gearbox provides drivers various modes as well as manual control through sequential manual shifting. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Performance mode. This provides later shift points and the driver can also manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement.
Another innovation is the automatic transmission’s ability to recognise when the vehicle is on a gradient. Using Grade Control Logic, the transmission will automatically downshift during downhill driving to provide additional braking from the powertrain when it senses the driver is applying the brakes.
Moreover, the transmission also has the ability to adapt to the driver’s style through Driver Recognition software. By determining the current driving style, including acceleration and deceleration rates, brake and throttle applications and cornering speeds, the transmission ensures the vehicle is in the right gear at the right time without undesired gear shifts.
“The aim of this feature is to match the customer’s expectation of the gearing with his or her driving style,” said Tim Postgate, transmission calibration supervisor.
“So someone who is concerned about getting the best fuel economy would be satisfied with the early upshifting of the gearbox while a young enthusiast would be impressed by the pickup’s responsiveness.”
For those who prefer greater involvement, the six-speed manual transmission provides crisp, precise shifting with its short, car-like gear shifter positioned ergonomically for the driver. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel helps coach drivers on the best gearing for fuel economy.
New Ranger shapes up
Using the same cutting-edge simulation technology as Formula One teams, Ford's aerodynamicists performed more than 1000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations to perfect the shape of the vehicle for fuel economy. They demonstrated with the simulation that with a hard line at the fender top, wind flow was divided and resistance lowered.
The aerodynamicists also worked closely with the Ranger design team to implement the most efficient design. Hence, the backlight was positioned more vertically, A-pillars were optimised and a small spoiler was added to the top of the tailgate. A front air dam plays a significant role in controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle, leading to a significant reduction in the drag coefficient.
To make Ranger more efficient than ever, the engineers insisted on tyres offering the best rolling resistance but without compromising grip, ride and handling. They also went through mind-boggling permutations of matching gears to engine to deliver optimal fuel economy while ensuring optimal performance for the pickup’s leading towing capability and payload capacity.
The engineers also put in a first-in-Ranger battery management system that contributes to real-world fuel economy. The Smart Regenerative Charging system increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without having to use additional fuel. The ‘free’ electric current is used to recharge the battery, so that it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage.
Robust drivetrains for all terrains
Capable of handling even the most challenging topography, Ranger has been extensively tested to ensure it continues its Built Ford Tough heritage.
The four-wheel drive models are equipped with a sturdy electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – that allow drivers to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via a switch conveniently located on the console. Low-range gearing can be enabled for extra torque or additional downhill braking and the Ranger offers lower overall ratios for improved offroad capability.
For customers who need more traction control, a limited slip rear differential or an electronic locking rear differential is available as an option. With the limited slip rear differential, power is maintained to both wheels when one of the wheels begins to slip.
A new feature on Ranger, the locking rear differential is activated by pressing a button on the dashboard. This engages a locking device through a clutch on the rear axle to “lock” both the rear wheels together so that they turn together at the same speed. This is extremely useful if one of the rear wheels loses traction completely because it is on ice, mud or lifted up in the air.
Without a locking device, that wheel would spin up and all the engine power and torque would go to that wheel. But if the wheels are “locked” together, the wheel with traction gets enough power and torque to enable the vehicle to move forward even under challenging conditions.
“The Ranger has ample power and torque to do what you need it to do, and more than enough capability to go where you need it to go,” said Rob Sharples, powertrain programme team leader. “It is a true driver’s truck that does its job while remaining friendly to your pocket and conscious of the environment.”
Editor’s Notes:
All fuel consumption figures are from officially approved tests in accordance with EC Directive 93/116/EC. Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com