Ford Ranger Super Duty Prototype Spotted on Australian Roads
The prototype of the Ford Ranger Super Duty—a robust, trade-oriented iteration of Australia’s top-selling vehicle—has made its first public appearance, captured on local roads in a single-cab configuration.
Brock Gregg shared images of the camouflaged Ranger Super Duty on the Official Next-Gen Ranger Group Australia Facebook page, revealing its presence in Victoria, though obscured in disguise.
While the silhouette from the A-pillar to the B-pillar closely resembles the current single-cab/chassis model of the Ranger, the camouflage hints at more than meets the eye. Notably, the prototype sports wider front guards, accommodating larger wheels that feature hub covers.
Speculations suggest the wheel track of the Ranger Super Duty may align with that of the Ranger Raptor, boasting an impressive 1710mm between axles—90mm wider than the Ranger Wildtrak.
Ford’s commitment to enhancing its heavy-duty offerings is evident, with the introduction of eight-stud hubs taken from the North American F-250 Super Duty. These hubs will support 18-inch steel wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires.
“The eight-stud configuration significantly boosts load capacity and enhances weight distribution across the wheel,” explained Drew O’Shannassy, Ford’s Ranger Super Duty engineering program supervisor. “This feature is vital for the Ranger Super Duty, which is designed for heavy hauling and towing. The chosen wheel and tire setup delivers the strength, grip, and reliability required by our dedicated users.”
At the rear, the model retains a leaf-spring suspension under its extended tray, while a noticeably larger rear differential distinguishes it from the existing Ranger lineup.
Expected to debut in Australia by 2026, the Ford Ranger Super Duty is designed to rival not only the F-150 but also major American pickups such as the Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tundra. Anticipated specifications include a braked towing capacity of 4500kg (when equipped with a 70mm tow ball), a 4500kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), and an 8000kg Gross Combined Mass (GCM)—indicators of the maximum recommended weight for both the vehicle and its trailer.
While the Ford F-150 available in Australia already has a braked towing capacity of 4500kg (or 3500kg with an optional 50mm tow ball), it falls short in GVM and GCM when compared to the forthcoming Ranger Super Duty.
Although details regarding payload capacity are forthcoming, the impressive GVM and GCM numbers suggest that the Super Duty will surpass the current maximum payload of the Ranger dual-cab, which stands at 1158kg, and also outstrip the F-150’s 878kg.
Though Ford has not disclosed specifics about the engine powering the Ranger Super Duty, there is speculation about enhancements in power and torque compared to existing models. The flagship versions of the Ranger currently feature a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that generates 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque. In contrast, the performance-oriented Ranger Raptor boasts a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, producing 292kW and 583Nm; however, the Super Duty is likely to favor a diesel engine for its heavy-duty application.
A shadowy teaser previously hinted at potential updates across the Ranger lineup, indicating a new grille design and revised bonnet lines, along with wider wheel arches compared to the current iteration.
The Ranger Super Duty will be manufactured in Thailand, alongside other models destined for the Australian market. Local input comes from Ford’s 1500-strong IMG Product Development team based in Melbourne. Notably, Ford Australia has engaged with fleet customers, positioning the Ranger Super Duty to cater specifically to industries such as agriculture, emergency services, utilities, and forestry.
For a deeper dive into Ford’s evolving lineup, explore more about the Ford Ranger and the Ranger Super Duty’s expected capabilities.
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
