Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? (Photos)

1. Razzle-Dazzle Camo Cover

When auto manufacturers go about their testing of new vehicles, they need to take the vehicles out on public roads for all sorts of tests. To avoid getting the word out too early, they often cover the vehicle in razzle-dazzle patterned camouflaged wraps that hides the details and other elements of the body's shape.  

>>Join the conversation about Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? right here in the Ford trucks Forum!

2. Globally Sold

While sales of the Ford Ranger in the U.S. stopped in 2011, Ford continues to sell this vehicle globally. Most markets get a version designed and engineered in Australia, where it is very popular. There are also factories turning them out in Thailand, South Africa, and Argentina, and it is sold at the Mazda BT-50 and the JMC Yuhu. 

>>Join the conversation about Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? right here in the Ford trucks Forum!

3. Competition

When Ford finally reintroduces the new North American spec. Ranger at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, it will compete with Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma. In other world markets where it is currently sold Ford has a very competitive truck, sometimes outselling even the Tacoma.

>>Join the conversation about Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? right here in the Ford trucks Forum!

4. Changes for 2019 Intro

It is easy to find images from oversees of the Australian designed current Ranger, but that is not exactly what we will be getting. The U.S. Ranger is expected to take on styling elements from its bigger brothers like the F-150 and Super Duty before the final 2019 version is shown. This will give the vehicle more appeal to existing Ford fans and the tougher look truck buyer demand.

>>Join the conversation about Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? right here in the Ford trucks Forum!

5. Gas or Diesel? Turbo?

It has been reported that when this truck is reintroduced, it will come with both gas and diesel engine options, like the current Chevy Colorado. In other countries Ranger gets a 2.2 liter turbodiesel 4 cylinder, a 2.5 liter gas 4 cylinder, or a 3.2 liter turbodiesel I5. Sharing the I5 diesel is the current US spec Transit van, which also gets the EcoBoost 3.5 liter as its top engine. Could the power mad US market get the 3.5 EcoBoost V6? Even the 2.7 liter EcoBoost would make it the most powerful midsize truck on the market. Many reports speculate that the 2.3 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder and the 3.3 liter V6 will also be available.

>>Join the conversation about Is This the New US Spec Ranger Caught Testing? right here in the Ford trucks Forum!

For help with keeping your current truck running, see the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com