Spy photographers have caught the 2023 Ford Ranger on multiple occasions and now we’re getting a glimpse of the Euro-spec variant. Caught undergoing testing in southern Europe, the right hand drive prototypes are UK plated and dressed in heavy camouflage. However, they look virtually identical to the US-spec pickup as they feature vertical headlights and a single bar grille with a prominent Ford logo. We can also see a flatter hood, streamlined bodywork and an evolutionary greenhouse.
Other notable highlights
include vertical taillights, a redesigned tailgate and a familiar bumper. Both
models also have a rear sport bar with two separate designs. More
interestingly, spy photographers noted both trucks have a yellow sticker that
is usually found on plug-in hybrid prototypes. That raises a few eyebrows, but
it’s hard to be certain these are in fact plug-in hybrids.
However, it wouldn’t be
surprising as the automaker has previously said 100% of their passenger vehicle
range in Europe will be zero-emissions capable – electric or plug-in hybrid –
by mid 2026. Ford Europe will then transition to fully electric vehicles by
2030. The company has been tight-lipped about the redesigned Ranger, but it’s slated
to arrive next year. This was confirmed as part of their tie-up with
Volkswagen, which will see Ford engineer and build the next-generation Amarok.
As a refresher, the Ranger is
slated to ride on an upgraded version of the T6 platform and be offered with an
assortment of different engines. Information on the European model is limited,
but the US-spec variant could have a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300
hp and 441 Nm of torque. We can also expect a
2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 330 hp and 563 Nm of
torque. Ford is also working on a new Ranger Raptor, which could use a
3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces up to 400 hp.
