Powerful New Engines Serve up More Torque and Fuel Efficiency for All-New Ford Ranger
- Two new Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines – 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre – and a proven 2.5-litre Ford Duratec petrol engine power the all-new Ford Ranger
- New six-speed transmissions on diesel models deliver increased fuel economy and driving refinement
- Engineers paid special attention to gear ratios, tyres and aerodynamics to ensure Ranger has outstanding fuel efficiency
MELBOURNE, Australia, 26 September, 2011– The all-new global Ford Ranger has more than enough muscle and backbone to get the job done – and in a highly fuel-efficient manner that will keep both the customers and their wallet equally happy.
Ranger’s new powertrains are at the heart of its exceptional capability and have been developed to suit a spectrum of uses. Three new engines are offered:
- 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a peak torque output of 375 Nm and maximum power output of 110 kW
- 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a stump-pulling maximum torque of 470 Nm and power rated at 147 kW
- 2.5-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine producing 226 Nm of torque and an outstanding 122kW of power.
The powertrain family is available in either two- or four-wheel drive versions with a five-speed transmission (manual, petrol only) and six-speed transmissions, in both manual and automatic (for the turbo-diesel engines). Fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank (all models), some Ranger models can achieve a driving range of more than 1000 km from a single tank of diesel fuel.
For example, both the 2.2 TDCi-powered XL Single Cab 4x2 manual and 2.2 TDCi-powered Single and Double Cab 4x2 Hi-Rider manual models have combined-cycle fuel consumption rates of 7.6 L/100 km1. All the engines have also been calibrated to meet the most stringent emission standards in Australia.
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. Petrol models have a standard five-speed manual transmission.
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.
“The most basic requirement a customer wants from a pickup is torque and power,” said David Mitchell, powertrain development manager at Ford Asia Pacific and Africa (APA). “Ranger not only delivers all that and more but is also able to do it in a way that sips less fuel than its predecessor.”
Impressive Duratorq TDCi diesels
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 carefully tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency and achieves exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels. The precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to avoid a hard diesel combustion crackle, resulting in lower noise emissions more like a petrol engine.
Leading the way is Ranger’s new 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which is already a proven performer overseas in the very capable Ford Transit. With a flat torque plateau – higher levels of torque over a broad rpm – Ranger is able to pull full loads on the highway easily without having to change gear. Ninety percent of its peak 470-Nm torque is available from 1700 to 3500 rpm, providing better engine flexibility.
And the good news is that all this torque does not have to come at a high price. The fuel consumption of the 3.2-litre TDCi engine in a combined cycle is impressive. It ranges from 8.9 L/100 km on the XLT 4x2 Super Cab Hi-Rider to 9.6 L/100 km on the top-of-the-range Wildtrak 4x4 model1.
For those who prefer an engine with a smaller displacement, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine comes mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
It delivers a peak torque of 375 Nm and a maximum power output of 110 kW by a single variable geometry turbocharger that allows more accurate control of boost pressure over a wider operating range. This enables lower-end torque capability for improved launch and driveability while delivering fuel efficiency. When fitted to a 4x2 model, the 2.2-litre engine consumes as little as 7.6 L/100 km1, making Ranger very fuel-efficient.
Responsive Duratec petrol
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivers great more power and excellent fuel economy and is mated with a five-speed manual transmission.
The engine is 28 kilograms lighter than the previous-generation engine and its power has increased by 24 percent to 122 kW at 6000 rpm. Torque also went up to 226 Nm. Utilising variable intake cam geometry to provide the optimal balance of power output and fuel economy, the 2.5-litre petrol engine achieves excellent fuel economy, returning 9.8 L/100 km on the XL Single Cab Chassis (manual fitted without air conditioning)1.
Hydrocarbon and nitrous oxide emissions are reduced throughout the engine operating range. This is particularly important during cold starts, when emission levels often are highest.
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 with 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 the software is to match the customer’s expectation of the gearing with his or her driving style,” said Tim Postgate, transmission calibration supervisor at Ford APA. “A relaxed driving style will deliver significant benefits in terms of refinement and fuel economy, while enthusiastic drivers will be rewarded with sharper responses and a more defined sporty feel.”
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. All manual transmissions have an upshift indicator in the instrument panel to help 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.
Working with the designers, the aerodynamics team managed to pare Ranger’s drag coefficient down to a very competitive ratio of 0.40 by implementing the most efficient design. They optimised the A-pillars, tapered the C-pillars and added a small spoiler to the top of the tailgate.
The biggest drag reduction came from a front air dam, which limits the amount of flow that goes under the vehicle and sends more air over and around the vehicle body. This chin spoiler effectively cuts the drag by about 7 percent while improving vehicle stability and helping to cool the engine.
“With about 60 percent of the power required to cruise at highway speeds being used to overcome aerodynamic effects, minimising drag has real-world fuel economy benefits for the customer, translating directly into more dollars in their pockets,” said Dr. Neil Lewington, senior aerodynamicist, Ford APA.
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 exceptional towing capability and payload capacity.
The engineers put in a first-in-Ranger Battery Monitoring System that optimises the alternator charging during deceleration and monitors the state of charge of the battery. The system’s regenerative charging functionality – converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into ‘free’ electric current that is used to recharge the battery – contributes to real-world fuel economy.
“Powerful engines are at the heart of any pickup’s capability,” said Mitchell. “We’ve equipped Ranger with a range of capable powertrains that customers will appreciate – loads of power, heaps of torque, increased fuel economy, and reduced emissions. Sometimes it is possible to get the best of all worlds!”
At a glance: All New Ranger Powertrains
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Engine
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Transmission
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Drivetrain
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Body Configuration
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I4 2.5 petrol
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5-speed manual
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4x2 LR
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Single
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Double
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I4 2.2 turbo-diesel
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6-speed manual
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4x2 LR
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Single
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4x2 HR
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Single
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Double
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4x4
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Single
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Double
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6-speed automatic
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4x2 LR
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Single
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4x2 HR
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Single
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Super
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Double
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4x4
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Double
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I5 3.2 turbo-diesel
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6-speed manual
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4x2 HR
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Single
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Super
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Double
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4x4
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Single
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Super
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Double
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6-speed automatic
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4x2 HR
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Super
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Double
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4x4
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Single
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Super
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Double
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Editor’s notes:
1. All fuel consumption figures are from officially approved tests in accordance with ADR81/02. Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the combined cycle according to ADR81/02 and might differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 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 in Australia, please visit www.ford.com.au