2016 Ford Ranger Spotted Testing In US, Again

The Ford Ranger was, by far, the most popular small truck in America…right up to the moment Ford killed it. Many people have loudly decried this move as a mistake, and Ford may be coming around to our way of seeing things.
For the second time in a month, the 2016 Ford Ranger has been caught testing in America, this time completely uncovered in pictures sent to Jalopnik. But that doesn’t mean a new Ranger is a sure thing for the US.

Of course, it would be a great addition to Ford’s lineup, especially if it came with the 3.2 liter diesel engine capable of towing a train locomotive. The “global Ranger” as it is colloquially called, is about 10% smaller than the best-selling Ford F150, but it is capable of much better fuel economy, sometimes even managing above 30 MPG. Of course the new aluminum body structure and 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 mean the 2015 F150 could deliver incredible fuel economy as well, but it’s still more truck than many people need, your humble writer included. A smaller, cheaper Ranger aimed at entry level truck buyers could find wider appeal in a market where fuel economy is now a primary factor when it comes to new car buying decisions.

Even if the global Ranger does come to America though, there’s no garauntee the diesel engine will come with it. More likely, we’d see an EcoBoost four-cylinder and V6 engine offered, whereas GM is bringing a four-cylinder Duramax diesel with its new compact trucks, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Which drivetrain would buyers prefer? Until we have some official MPG numbers/confirmation on the Ranger coming to America, it’s hard to make any sort of fair comparison. At the very least though, Ford seems to be considering re-entry into the small truck market.

Count me as a fan of this move.

Source: Gas 2.

2015 Ford F-150 Makes 325 Horsepower With 2.7 Liter EcoBoost

Arguably one of the most important vehicles of the next year, the 2015 Ford F-150 has wholly embraced lightweight aluminum and small turbocharged engines in an effort to boost fuel economy. Headlining the 2015 F-150’s powertrain lineup is a new 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 that Ford says will make 325 horsepower and 375 ft-lbs of torque. On top of that, the new F-150 loses more than 700 pounds compared with the outgoing model, thanks to that aluminum body.

Though Ford isn’t specifying exact weight numbers yet, if you subtract 700 pounds from most 2014 models, you end up well under the 5,000 pound mark. The current range of 2014 F-150 pickups range in weight from 4,685 to just over 5,900 pounds, so a 700+ pound diet is pretty substantial. In fact, the new F-150 might weigh less than 1,000 pounds more than the new (and slightly heavier) 2015 Ford Mustang, and it could even slip under the curb weight of the Tesla Model S  (approx. 4,600 pounds).

Then you’ve got the 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, an all-new motor designed to be the fuel-sipper of the F-150 lineup. The 325 horsepower and 375 ft-lbs of torque gives it V8-like power, with a payload capacity of 2,250 pounds and towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, more than capable of handling most jobs the average home or business owner will have to endure. Alas, Ford still isn’t talking MPG numbers, the the 2.7 liter V6 does come with Auto Stop/Start and other fuel-saving features designed to put it on top of the pack.

All this technology will come at a cost though, and there have been concerns that the 2015 F-150 will cost more both to buy and repair. Will truck buyers embrace aluminum bodies on their pickup trucks? The future of America’s best-selling vehicle hinges on the answer.

Source: Gas 2.