New Ford Ranger Max

[yadetout]

Renowned for its genuine toughness and strength, the Ford Ranger takes a confident step forward with the debut of the high-impact Ranger Max show truck at the Thailand Motor Expo.

Ranger Max pushes everyone's expectations of Ranger to the max. Visually bold and muscular, it takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship. No doubt the Ranger Max extends Ranger's reputation as the best all-around compact truck on the market.

"We know Ranger is tough and durable, and Ranger Max adds to those qualities. The concept does not follow a trend; it sets a new 'tough style' direction for compact pickups," says Paul Gibson, the chief designer of the Ranger Max concept. "Ranger Max is genuinely tough and it is a truck that gets the job done. This high-impact show truck also has the bold visual presence that looks great on the urban scene." It is not aggressive; it is 'tough style'.

Ranger Max was created by Ford truck experts in Thailand, working with Ford's Australia-based Asia Pacific and Africa design team, led by Gibson. Collectively, the Ford team creating Ranger Max also incorporated design cues that could be seen in future-generation Ranger products.

"The Ranger Max is not just about creating show excitement," Gibson said. "We have a great opportunity to test design themes that will make their way into production. Ranger Max says exciting things about what's coming for truck fans in Ranger's future."

Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 starts Nov. 28, at the Muang Thong Thani exhibition center.

Delivering Tough Style

Genuine truck toughness comes from great design and engineering, which means the production Ford Ranger is the ideal foundation for creating Ranger Max. No under-skin modifications were needed with Ford Ranger to produce Ranger Max.

Gibson and his team of designers instead concentrated on exploring the limits of 'tough style'. "Ranger Max wasn't meant to be elegant or pretty. The robust nature of Ranger means that it is the dependable workhorse, and with Ranger Max we wanted to create a concept that is cool as hel_l."

They took inspiration from things many truck owners know and appreciate. The distinctive contrast between Ranger Max's hardcore orange paintwork with matte black accents is inspired by the functional design found in some modern power tools – just like those used by many Ranger owners every day. Ford designers recognize how absolute function and durability inspire these industrial tools and make them more appealing.

Industrial shapes such as the cog-like detailing in the body accents and wheel arch mouldings extend Ranger Max's theme of tough style as the ultimate power tool.

Pushing the 'power tool' inspiration a step further, the Ranger Max design team noted how power tools and similar objects incorporated words into their design to convey instructions or warnings. Ranger Max uses 'words' in this same style to accentuate its robust 'industrial feel'.

Ranger Max is full of details like this, such as the word GRAB imprinted subtly on the bold, black grab handle in the side of the sportsbar linked to the cab. Every letter is precisely shaped in a 'truncated' font that complements the toughness and utility the overall truck design communicates.

Black & Decker is one of the power tool brands that inspired Ford designers. Other inspirations for Ranger Max come from active sports, like rock climbing, and the tough, technical products used by active sportsmen, such as G-Shock watches.

Just like Ford Ranger, the robustness of these products is affordable and their designs are purposeful. People buy these products because they know they can depend on them to get the job done.

"Ranger is respected," Gibson says, "and Ranger Max amplifies that identity, which gives it a modern and youthful character that's really suited to sporting and social activities, too."

Taking Ranger to the Max

With its character as the ultimate power tool, Ranger Max concept exudes confidence and purpose. It's up for the job – work or fun – and its design says so. It features full surfaces that convey the power and strength of its tough-truck backbone. The detail of its design demonstrates this show truck has been designed by people who know trucks and love them.

Like a power tool, it's ready for rough use. This means purposeful matte black plastic accent features and trim items, not fussy, fancy chrome.

It has innovative features such as a remote-controlled power tonneau cover for the cargo bed and a distinctive sportsbar that visually extends the length of the well-proportioned Ford Ranger side-access cab.

And Ranger Max is poised on distinctive, deep-dish, 18-inch alloy concept wheels and custom technical-look tyres that finish its extreme looks.

This is a Ranger and proud of its tough-truck heritage. RANGER is boldly embossed in the hood and sidestep shapes of the Ranger Max.

Dynamic Profile

Ranger Max's high impact establishes a powerful presence wherever it goes. Its profile exudes power and dominance as well as balanced proportion. The flexed 'power dome' shape of its hood communicates the pulling power and high torque of the engine. The power dome shape carries through to influence the design of the hard tonneau cover at the rear of the vehicle. These two overt muscular design elements give Ranger Max power and solidity. It's enough to scare the typical pickup into the gym for serious weight training.

Adding even more dynamism to the profile is the exclusive Ranger Max sportsbar, which attaches to the pickup bed and arches across the vehicle. This unique crossbar is shaped to create the visual impression that Ranger Max is always on the move – or ready for action.

"The sportsbar makes a big statement," explains Max Tran, a Ford designer who played a key role in developing the vehicle. "It adds a feeling of movement and dynamic character, and incorporates some great design details, including twin air scoop shapes on top."

Built into each side of the crossbar is an integral grab handle. Finished in matte black plastic, the grab handle design is all about purpose. The dark shape of the grab handle visually extends the perceived shape of the Ranger Max side window shape, accentuating the feel of functionality and space of the Ranger side-access Open Cab – a functional feature which Ranger debuted in 2002 in response to feedback from tradesmen.

The grab handle is labelled – like instructions on power tools and on aircraft – with the word GRAB?. Similarly, the side door of the Ranger Max is distinctively yet discretely labelled AXCESS. These functional callouts also extend to the Ranger Max fuel inlet, which is designed to intersect one of the bold wheel arches, labelled FUEL.

"There's no mistaking the purpose of labels like these on power tools," Tran explained. "On Ranger Max, they fulfil the same role. It's the style of purpose."

For example, the vent on each front fender uses hexagon-shaped grillework and discrete chrome badging with the word RANGER with appealing detail. The branding MAX adjoins this Ranger badge to communicate the concept's name.

Other design details in the Ranger Max profile include incorporating the side repeater lamp into the side mirror. The lower bodyside, whose two-piece, interlocked sidestep look was inspired by rock-climbing carabineers and other outdoor gear you trust with your life.

Ranger Max's stance communicates power, purpose and athleticism. The design team has crafted unique, 18-inch alloy concept wheels for Ranger Max. These deep-dish, six-spoke wheels – with black graphic funnel shapes to their centres – are must-have sporting accessories perfectly suited to Ranger Max. Featuring large offsets, the wheels build on Ranger Max's distinctive tough style.

Big P285/60R18 tires with a chunky tread pattern give Ranger Max the footware and traction it needs to accomplish any job or adventure.

The bold wheel arches with cog-shaped detailing reinforce Range Max's stance and its purpose. Explosive, dynamic side graphics on the fenders and lower doors are inspired by the high-impact of shattering glass.

A New Face of Possibilities

Ranger Max is about confidence without aggression. It has a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude as well as great design detail. "When you look at the front design, the three-bar grille, the overt nostrils and open mouth, you're looking straight into the face of Ranger's evolution," said Gibson.

"There are design elements we are developing and Ranger Max is one possibility. We've crafted the face of the Ranger Max to explore a new look. Elements of it could become our new identity of Ford Ranger."

The three-bar grille is a Ford hallmark design element, conveying strength and quality, integrated with a proud, large badge of the famous Ford blue oval. Ranger Max adopts dynamic, modern headlamps which angle at the top to communicate energy and movement.

More robustness cues abound in the front design. Here, the power-bulge hood is a dominating shape. Its leading edge features an integral hot-air vent and reinforces that Ranger Max is a tough, powerful machine.

Self-confident Ranger branding – embossed in the top of the front grille surround – is another proud aspect of the front design.

Two major design elements link together to form the dominant frontal look of Ranger Max. The corporate three-bar grille imbeds itself into the lower enlarge air intake. A distinct line starting from the headlamps follows around the nostril and borders the lower air intake. This signature line unites the major design elements to create the defined face of Ranger Max.

Powerful Pulling Away

Ranger Max has presence on the road. Its bold rear design is the combination of proportion and details such as the pronounced contours of the tonneau cover which emulate the power bulge on the bonnet. The distinctive sportsbar integrates the cabin area with the tonneau cover. Continuing rearward, Ranger Max is neatly finished off with a tailgate cladding embossed with RANGER and a pair of unique tail lamps designed by the concept team.

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

Star at Thailand Motor Expo

The Thailand International Motor Expo 2008, with Ranger Max as the star attraction for Ford, runs Nov. 28-Dec. 10.

"We recognise that Thailand is the home of Ranger for Asia Pacific, and from Thailand we export Ranger around the world. We know Asia is a fusion of many cultures, and we look to Thailand as a wonderful blend of tastes, styles and emerging ideas. For this very reason, we decided to create Ranger Max in Thailand and show the high-impact truck to the world at Motor Expo as a global unveil," said Mr. Kiatfuengfoo.

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.co.th.

Contact:

Duangkamol Isarapandh +66-2-686-4662

Todd Hallenbeck +66-2-686-4370

email removed per forum rules (oups sorry )

more info at www.rangermax.com

Edited November 28, 2008 by yadetout

[yadetout]

Video here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Ford-Ranger-...09-t225852.html

[skybluestu]

Video here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Ford-Ranger-...09-t225852.html

Looks amazing! Is this merely a concept truck or will it be in the showrooms next year? I've just bought a Ranger Wildtrak (which I love) but wish I'd waited now I've seen this

[stingray]

Video here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Ford-Ranger-...09-t225852.html

Looks amazing! Is this merely a concept truck or will it be in the showrooms next year? I've just bought a Ranger Wildtrak (which I love) but wish I'd waited now I've seen this

Very nice design. But it's still have a ratteling noisy "4 Banger" diesel or do they'll offer a real engine, like a V8 or at least a V6 like in the US?

[yadetout]

Update videos from the Thailand Motor Expo here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Ford-Ranger-...09-t225852.html

[Gravelrash]

I like it, but will buy a four door, seems it only come in half cab?

[pop3]

This looks like a flashy American or Arabic import for the cameras ?

I think it's quite possible we will get the drab, grey low spec version as normal ?

[DVERGO]

Hi Guys, where can I buy a Ford Ranger Max in Pattaya, and what is the price on the max version?

[soundman]

Hi Guys, where can I buy a Ford Ranger Max in Pattaya, and what is the price on the max version?

Max microsite here.

Ranger or Wildtrak. Ford Showroom here.

Banglamung dealer.

Ford Chonburi Top Car

15/69 Moo 11

T.Nongpuer, A.Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

Phone: 038232999

Fax: 0-3823-2700

[craigt3365]

I am pretty sure I saw a Ford dealer on Suk south of Central...maybe have been south of Pattaya Tai. Not 100% sure, but it is on the East side.

[stingray]

I am pretty sure I saw a Ford dealer on Suk south of Central...maybe have been south of Pattaya Tai. Not 100% sure, but it is on the East side.

There is no ranger max in LOS, all what you can buy is a wildtrack. I bought one 6 months ago. not a bad looking truck.

Edited January 30, 2010 by stingray

[wildpuppet72]

I am pretty sure I saw a Ford dealer on Suk south of Central...maybe have been south of Pattaya Tai. Not 100% sure, but it is on the East side.

There is no ranger max in LOS, all what you can buy is a wildtrack. I bought one 6 months ago. not a bad looking truck.

dont talk before you know what you talking about the max is made in thailand and for sale here also you bought a wildtrack yeahh that sucks when the max is out

[Nomad97]

I am pretty sure I saw a Ford dealer on Suk south of Central...maybe have been south of Pattaya Tai. Not 100% sure, but it is on the East side.

There is no ranger max in LOS, all what you can buy is a wildtrack. I bought one 6 months ago. not a bad looking truck.

dont talk before you know what you talking about the max is made in thailand and for sale here also you bought a wildtrack yeahh that sucks when the max is out

I too have a Ford Ranger Wildtrak and a good car it is too. The Ford Ranger Max looks a great car but the Ford Thailand Website does not list it for sale and shows no price information either. Please advise further how you know this car is for sale and available in Thailand.

[MoonRiverOasis]

The Ranger Max was only a concept car, it was never intended to go into production and never did.

[katabeachbum]

The Ranger Max was only a concept car, it was never intended to go into production and never did.

and Fords last attempt to pump up the old Ranger is 200 Wildtrak in Copper Red color on 18" wheels

[cocoy]

isnt there an all new Ranger coming out next week in australia?

[MoonRiverOasis]

isnt there an all new Ranger coming out next week in australia?

The new T6 Ranger and BT-50 are being unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show in a few days time, but actual production doesn't start until mid-2011, and first production run release will be Nov/Dec 2011. If you're not in the queue early, the soonest you'll actually be able to buy one will be a few months into 2012..

More here:

[Spoonman]

isnt there an all new Ranger coming out next week in australia?

The new T6 Ranger and BT-50 are being unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show in a few days time, but actual production doesn't start until mid-2011, and first production run release will be Nov/Dec 2011. If you're not in the queue early, the soonest you'll actually be able to buy one will be a few months into 2012..

AAT tells us it will be released to the masses in June/July with the Everest to follow 18 months later, we should be taking delievery of one before the end of the year though for product development.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Spoonman

[MoonRiverOasis]

AAT tells us it will be released to the masses in June/July with the Everest to follow 18 months later, we should be taking delievery of one before the end of the year though for product development.

Can you confirm you've been told these times?

My most recent info (from a few days ago) states June/July 2011 is the schedule for the first production run, at which time the normal 3rd parties and the press will get their hands on them, but the masses will have to wait another 4-5 months.

If you're going to get one before then end of this year, they'd better start tooling up!

Edited October 9, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[Spoonman]

AAT tells us it will be released to the masses in June/July with the Everest to follow 18 months later, we should be taking delievery of one before the end of the year though for product development.

Can you confirm you've been told these times?

My most recent info (from a few days ago) states June/July 2011 is the schedule for the first production run, at which time the normal 3rd parties and the press will get their hands on them, but the masses will have to wait another 4-5 months.

If you're going to get one before then end of this year, they'd better start tooling up!

This is what the head of our R&D dept tells me, he has seen one in the flesh (at ATT) so I guess they cant be that far off production.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Spoonman

[MoonRiverOasis]

AAT tells us it will be released to the masses in June/July with the Everest to follow 18 months later, we should be taking delievery of one before the end of the year though for product development.

Can you confirm you've been told these times?

My most recent info (from a few days ago) states June/July 2011 is the schedule for the first production run, at which time the normal 3rd parties and the press will get their hands on them, but the masses will have to wait another 4-5 months.

If you're going to get one before then end of this year, they'd better start tooling up!

This is what the head of our R&D dept tells me, he has seen one in the flesh (at ATT) so I guess they cant be that far off production.

Well there's been a number of test mules made already, and they've now nailed down most of the design, but the final tweaks and tooling required for mass production of all variants will still take some time. I'd be surprised if they could bring it all forward that many months..

Then again, marketing are screaming for it now that info is leaking like a sieve

Edit: Unless they plan to do an early, limited release (i.e. only one body style)? I'd appreciate if you could tap your R&D manager for more info..

Edited October 9, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[Spoonman]

Well there's been a number of test mules made already, and they've now nailed down most of the design, but the final tweaks and tooling required for mass production of all variants will still take some time. I'd be surprised if they could bring it all forward that many months..

Then again, marketing are screaming for it now that info is leaking like a sieve

Edit: Unless they plan to do an early, limited release (i.e. only one body style)? I'd appreciate if you could tap your R&D manager for more info..

LOL, Iam away to England next week, when I return I will get the low down.

We turn over a significant amount of Rangers per month, we also have a reasonable working relationship with AAT so I can only assume at this stage what he tells me is correct.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Spoonman

[MoonRiverOasis]

We turn over a significant amount of Rangers per month, we also have a reasonable working relationship with AAT so I can only assume at this stage what he tells me is correct.

I caught the numbers before the edit, heh Your monthly Ranger sales are equivalent to Total Thai Retail Sales each month - they must love you guys

With that in mind, I'm sure you guys will be the amongst the very first 3rd parties to get one of the new models - you're a freaking country!

Edited October 9, 2010 by MoonRiverOasis

[Spoonman]

lol yeah, I guessed the average is 500 a month... some months (have seen 650 roll out) more some less (as low as 100) but as it was a guess I thought it to be not accurate hence the edit....

Some months they cannot supply so we have to import from South Africa.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Spoonman

[JohnLeech]

"Similarly, the side door of the Ranger Max is distinctively yet discretely labelled AXCESS. These functional callouts also extend to the Ranger Max fuel inlet, which is designed to intersect one of the bold wheel arches, labelled FUEL."

Is there some danger of Ford owners confusing the two?

[MoonRiverOasis]

"Similarly, the side door of the Ranger Max is distinctively yet discretely labelled AXCESS. These functional callouts also extend to the Ranger Max fuel inlet, which is designed to intersect one of the bold wheel arches, labelled FUEL."

Is there some danger of Ford owners confusing the two?

With spelling like that, it's probable

[thaicbr]

The owners know. It's the passengers and petrol attendants that are clueless