Ford talked a very big game about its new Ranger Super Duty in April, but it did not release much in the way of specs, preferring to disclose them later in the year. Well, that time has come, and it’s safe to say the ex-factory work truck is throwing a few surprises.
As expected, the Super Duty utilises the regular Ranger’s top-of-the-line 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel, but what was not expected was the more than 40 PS drop in power, down to just 209 PS at 3,250 rpm. The Blue Oval says this is due to the truck’s “unique calibration” to meet stringent Euro VI heavy-duty vehicle emissions regulations. Torque remains identical at 600 Nm at 1,750 rpm.
Just like virtually every part of the Super Duty, the cooling system has been upgraded and is now 25% more efficient than other Rangers, helping to ensure “dependable performance and strong pulling power,” even at the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) and gross combined mass (GCM).
Speaking of which, Ford reiterated the figures of 4,500 kg and 8,000 kg respectively, along with a maximum braked towing capacity of 4,500 kg. For the first time, however, the company has published payload figures of up to an astounding 1,982 kg for the single cab chassis, 1,896 kg for the super cab chassis and 1,825 kg for the double cab chassis – well above the circa-one-tonne level that defines the class. The gross axle weight rating has also been bumped up significantly to 1,900 kg on the front axle and 2,800 kg at the rear.
To increase go-anywhere ability over rough terrain, the Super Duty’s ground clearance has been boosted to a towering 299 mm, which is considerable above even the Raptor‘s. Despite the additional snorkel, the truck’s maximum water wading depth is the same 850 mm as the Raptor.
As a refresher, the Super Duty has been designed for the worksite, effectively preventing commercial buyers from having to spend a fortune on aftermarket accessories. It’s built on a strengthened frame and features steel bumpers, large fender flares and the aforementioned snorkel, along with a beefy bash plate. It rides on fat 18-inch eight-lug wheels wrapped in knobbly all-terrain tyres, which help increase the track width to 1,710 mm. Inside, there’s a mount for attaching accessories such as a tablet.
Pricing has also been released for the Super Duty’s key market of Australia – AU$82,990 (RM230,100) for the single cab, AU$86,490 (RM239,800) for the super cab and AU$89,990 (RM249,500) for the double cab. The trucks come without a bed, but Ford Australia will sell trays for the utes, available in galvanised grey, body colour or matte black.
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