Ford details development tests done on 2022 Ranger capability, performance

MANILA: Ford discussed how it has developed the capability, driveability, and performance of the 2022 Ford Ranger — a pickup truck that the carmaker aims to meet the needs of 180 markets around the world. 

"Whether a customer’s priority is fuel economy, refinement, towing or hauling, the powertrains chosen for next-gen Ranger will provide customers with the best performance and capability," Program Manager for the Ranger and Everest Pritika Maharaj said. 

She added that the 2022 Ranger engines — a two-liter single turbo and bi-turbo — have been tested on dynos and exposed to extreme loads, temperatures, and aggressive duty cycles.

The engines are said to be ran for 700 continuous hours at full throttle... like going around the world six times at full throttle... in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to more than 50 degrees Celsius," Maharaj added. 

Afterwards, the engines will be fitted to test vehicles in markets and climates such as Europe and New Zealand with frigid air and Southeast Asia with a hot climate. 

Meanwhile, Ford said the 2022 Ranger's 10-speed automatic has raked in six million kilometers of testing. The 10-speed auto will paired to the bi-turbo engines, while the six-speed auto and manual will go to the single-turbo mills. 

Balancing off-road performance and car-like handling is key throughout the development of 2022 Ranger, Dynamic Experiences Supervisor for the Ranger Rob Hugo divulged. 

As a result, the pickup's track and wheelbase are said to have been increased by 50 millimeters to improve stability. It has also improved the front approach angle to 30 degrees (up from 28.5 degrees in the prior model) and rear departure angle to 23 degrees (up from 21 degrees in the prior model). 

Further to the track increase which helped the team increase the width of next-gen Ranger’s tray for a more versatile load space, the rear dampers were moved outboard of the springs which makes for a more controlled ride whether the vehicle is laden or not.

Ford is offering two four-wheel drive systems for 2022 Ranger. The base four-wheel drive is a "part-time" system with a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case offering 2H, 4H, and 4L as modes of operation.

Next-gen Ranger continues to be offered with an electronic rear differential lock, which allows both wheels on a specific axle to turn at the same speed providing additional traction during off-roading.

The selectable drive modes reserved for the present Ranger Raptor will be fitted to the 2022 Ranger. The modes are: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul (auto only), Slippery for on-road, and Mud/Ruts and Sand for use off-road. These modes adjust everything from the gearshift to throttle response, traction and stability controls, ABS, and more.

Tow/Haul mode is a brand-new drive mode and is designed for when the Ranger is towing or carrying a heavy load. Selecting Tow / Haul mode optimizes the gear shift timing to maintain power when climbing uphill or deliver the right amount of engine braking when  travelling downhill. Next-gen Ranger continues with a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms with a 350 kg towball download limit.

To protect vital components when going off-road, the 2022 Ranger boasts a raft of protective underbody shields for the steering, sump, transmission, and transfer case. 

The 2022 Ranger is adventure ready with roof top load limits of 350 kg static and 85 kg dynamic. A range of cargo management solutions in the loadbox include adjustable cleats on each side, tray-mounted tiedowns and styled box rails, tailgate clamp pockets, and box capping with six structural mounting points for after-market accessories.

Like current Ranger, next-gen Ranger offers a maximum water wading depth of 800mm at 7kph. 

Ford Ranger prototypes clocked up thousands of kilometres at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground testing facility near Melbourne, where durability testing continued 24/7 on specific components, like the suspension, body structure and powertrains.

Next-gen Ranger Chief Program EngineerJohn Willems said that well before any physical testing occurred, Ford made extensive use of computer-aided simulations during the development of the pickup. This was to optimize critical components and systems to restrict pathways of structurally borne and airborne road noise from entering the cabin.

Willems explained: “After this we built 200 prototype Rangers to undergo a raft of really challenging tests, from the dust-choked Australian Outback and arid Middle East to the humid streets and highways of Thailand as well as sub-zero temperatures in Europe and North America."

Photos from Ford

Also read: Next-gen Ford Ranger makes safety a priority