Our friends in Europe get yet another cool Ranger variant with nifty visual upgrades and the Raptor's drivetrain.
Another Cool Variant
While we're stuck with little to choose from in terms of Ford Ranger variants here in the U.S., our friends in Europe and Australia have many choices. And now, they've got one more in the form of the new Ranger Thunder. The Thunder is certainly a very cool looking rig, but it's also packing a pretty nifty drivetrain as well - the same 2.0-liter, twin-turbo, EcoBlue diesel engine used in the formidable Ranger Raptor.
Photos: Ford
Nicely Accented
Ford will only produce a total of 4,500 Ranger Thunder pickups as well, making it a pretty cool limited-edition variant. The Thunder is based on the Ranger Wildtrak and is finished exclusively in Sea Gray paint. From there, it gets a host of ebony black accents that include the 18" wheels, front grille, rear bumper, skid plates, fog light surrounds, roll bar, and door handles.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
Contrasting Features
From there, the rather dark Thunder gains some contrast with red accents on the grille and roll bar, three-dimensional "Thunder" badges on the driver and front passenger doors and tailgate, and a matte black Ranger logo. The Thunder also wears darkened bezels on the headlights and taillights. A bed liner, Black Mountain Top powder-coated roller cover, and bed divider also come standard.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
Accented Interior
On the inside, the Ranger Thunder features full Ebony leather seats with distinctive Thunder red embroidery and matching stitching across the steering wheel, seats, instrument panel, and key touch points throughout the cabin. Black floor mats are also standard and contrast with bespoke red-illuminated sill plates.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
Oil Burner
One of the coolest things about the Thunder, however, is the engine that powers it - that aforementioned diesel. Paired with Ford's excellent 10-speed automatic transmission, the oil burner churns out 210 horsepower (213 PS) and 368 pound-feet (500 Nm) of torque, making it great for those sticky off-road conditions.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
Stylish and Capable
"With an edgier look for customers who aren’t afraid to be noticed, the new Ranger Thunder will be an unmistakable presence on or off the road," said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. "This capable, comfortable, and stylish addition to Europe’s best-selling pick-up range is as tough and versatile as it is charismatic."
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
No Fun
The Ford Ranger Thunder is certainly a nice addition to the mid-size pickup's lineup and one that we wish we could buy here in the states. But for now, our friends on the other side of the world continue to have all the fun when it comes to cool Ranger variants.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Ranger Thunder right here in Ford-Trucks.com.
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