Oh Hell Yes!!
I sure hope it's true!

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...ild-2017062120

Now that Chevy has the ZR2 which is a very nice Colorado it just makes sense to bring out the big guns....

 

Here's another article with possible pictures...

https://www.maxim.com/rides/ford-ran...edition-2017-6

 

Ford is looking to the new Ranger and Bronco to be cash cows and one sure-fire way to help that goal along is to make pricey off-road versions. So it's not at all unlikely IMO. The 2018 Expedition is gonna have an FX4 version, for instance, to fit that slot.

I hope they do a similar off-road package for the new Bronco also. It should be EZ to move the hot rod Ranger suspension parts to the Bronco.

George

 

The fact that this prototype is right-hand drive tells me it's being developed as a European Raptor of sorts. The Raptor sells well here and in China, but the European markets are left out due to the demand for smaller trucks there.

Since Ford seems to be doing most of the development for the Ranger here in the US, they're testing a European Raptor on American soil.

The Raptor's sales are pretty delicate, as a similar version sold by the same company would most likely take sales away from it.

 

Ha! Just got my new issue of Car and Driver magazine in today's mail and there was a road test of THIS (note the diesel engine)....a direct target for a hot rod offroad Ranger:

https://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-zr2-off-road-truck

It may be for other markets, but dollar signs are really attractive and I doubt it would cannibalize the big Raptor sales....this is small off road chic.

George

 

George the ZR2's are available at dealers now and from everything I'm hearing it is the real deal, particularly with the diesel option.
The price I see pretty strong though....

 

Pickups and SUV's are cash cows, and this is where GM and Ford need to make sales with appealing products to keep their profits high and to keep US plants open.

The Raptorized Ranger (alliteration there...) should make a direct hit on the ZR2 and I have to believe it is a real possibility. I haven't checked the status of the Wrangler pickup but believe that was also in the wings for FCA and that would fall close to the same spot.

Now give me a new Bronco set up like this (or a bit milder for my real needs) and I'm in...should be an easy translation.

George

 

RHD is also used in Australia. Their 4x4 market is big.