Ford's Updated Overseas Ranger Spied In Thailand

Posted by Mike Levine | January 8, 2009

The production version of the Ford Ranger Max concept has apparently been caught uncovered. The overseas workhorse shares only a name with the Ranger built for North America.

While it's not quite as bold as the truck that appeared at the Thailand Motor Expo, the updated Ranger appears to have carried over many of the new styling cues created by Ford's Asia Pacific design studio, located in Australia.



Behind the Concept: Rendering the Ranger Max
Posted by Mike Levine | December 8, 2008



Last week Ford unveiled the Ranger Max concept at the 2008 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. Ford Asia Pacific Product Communication Manager Todd Hallenbeck shared a few more details with PickupTrucks.com about the show truck, including several design renderings.

The Ranger Max is based on the current Thai-built Ranger Open Cab 4x4. The overseas workhorse shares only its name with the Ranger built for North America.



As boldly styled as the Ranger Max is, U.S. Ranger fans shouldn't get their hopes up that the bright orange design study points to a future version of Ford's domestic compact pickup, which is scheduled to end production by 2011. It's strictly a glimpse at what the next Asian Ranger could look like when it's refreshed in about three years.

Left off from the original press release was information about the Ranger Max's powertrain. Hallenbeck confirmed power comes from Ford's 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The motor produces 154 horsepower and maximum torque of 280 pounds-feet.

The Ranger Max concept was designed entirely at Ford's Asia Pacific design studio, located in Australia. Designer Max Tran took the lead developing exterior sketches and computer renderings before the show truck was built. Inspiration came from power tools and extreme sports equipment, like rock climbing gear.



"We're really excited about the Ranger Max because we've been able to define a tough style and apply it to Ranger," said Tran. "Ranger Max amplifies the reputation of our truck. There's nothing minimal about it."

The Ranger Max is an exterior-only show truck. Its interior is identical to the production pickup. Unlike many concept vehicles, the Ranger Max is entirely drivable.