Ford is still on the fence whether to launch the Ranger Raptor in the United States or not, but the Blue Oval brand will have the performance pickup on sale in Europe starting later this year. It will be joined by a refreshed version of the regular Ranger and, in preparations for its market launch, the automaker has released a new entertaining commercial video showing the capabilities of the compact truck.
In its promotional campaign for the facelifted Euro-spec Ranger, Ford says the pickup can “tow whatever the hell you want.” And even if that means you want to pull 20 caravans, the Ranger will do the job without complaining. The short 1:15-minute video at the top of this page documents the moment when the vehicle towed a 20-tonne (44,092-pound), 100-metre convoy of caravans on a public road close to the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
“This was the slowest stunt I’ve ever done – but also one of the hardest,” explains precision driver Paul Swift who drove the orange Ranger from the video. “Trying to keep the caravans on the straight and narrow while the car drove past was a tough challenge, and one that really demonstrates the Ranger’s capabilities.”
The vehicle used in the clip is powered by the range-topping 2.0-litre EcoBlue twin-turbo diesel with 210 bhp and we suppose it’s mated to the model’s recently introduced 10-speed automatic gearbox. The lineup of caravans includes a 1950s Airstream, some hippy-themed caravans, and “a caravan especially for dog lovers – complete with paw prints.”
No UK market information is available yet, but the 2019 Ranger will be on sale in Europe from the second half of this year with prices to be revealed closer to the on-sale date. In 2018, Ford shifted 51,500 Rangers in Europe cementing its position as a segment-leader on the continent.
Gallery: 2019 Ford Ranger (Euro-spec)
Summer drivers might have to wait patiently behind one or two caravans before they can overtake. But 15 in a row – all pulled by a single vehicle?
Don’t worry. It’s not a situation you are likely to encounter any time soon. The caravan of caravans was created by Ford for a new film that demonstrates the remarkable pulling power of the new Ranger pick-up.
The film shows the Ranger effortlessly towing its 20-tonne convoy when the driver notices a car behind, anxious to overtake, and waves the other driver past. It is only then that the number of caravans becomes apparent.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/kVCgKjibR-U
A month in the making and shot on location at Millbrook Proving Ground in the U.K., the film required the caravans to be reinforced with steel frames and equipped with tow bars front and back.
“This was the slowest stunt I’ve ever done – but also one of the hardest. Trying to keep the caravans on the straight and narrow while the car drove past was a tough challenge, and one that really demonstrates the Ranger’s capabilities,” said precision driver Paul Swift who was behind the wheel of the Ranger.
Measuring almost 100 metres in length with the 213 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue Bi-turbo Ranger at its head, the caravans consisted of models that included a 1950s Airstream, a hippy-themed caravan, and a caravan especially for dog lovers – complete with paw prints.
All track activities were filmed on a closed circuit and monitored by Ford’s safety experts.