Ford Ranger Storm concept unveiled in Brazil
Tough Ford Ranger Storm show truck debuts in Sao Paulo; looks like a Raptor but misses out on its hardwareFord Brazil has pulled the drapes off the Ford Ranger Storm concept overnight at the Sao Paulo motor show and it's being touted as a cheaper alternative to the full-fat Ford Ranger Raptor.
Featuring similar styling elements including a prominent (but redesigned) front bash plate, black 17-inch alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, sporty front air intakes and menacing 'STORM' lettering on the grille, the Ford Ranger Storm could be mistaken by passing observers for the $74,990 Raptor.
Unfortunately, the Ford Ranger Storm misses out on some of the hard-core Ford pick-up truck's key features.
Chiefly, the Ford Ranger Storm doesn't get the flagship Ford's new generation twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that, in the Ranger Raptor and Ranger Bi-Turbo, produces 157kW and 500Nm.
The Ford Ranger Storm also misses out on its faster cousin's trick 10-speed automatic transmission but, the still-sporty pick-up shouldn't be too far off the performance of the Ford Performance item as it comes equipped with the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel that pushes out 147kW and 450Nm, although it transfers its might through a less efficient six-speed auto.
There's no reason to say why the Ranger Storm couldn't switch to the twin-turbo diesel for the Australian market if was ever made available here. But for those hoping to nab a Raptor-lite package if Ford Australia does indeed choose to import the Ranger Storm, it's likely to miss out on both the Raptor's long-travel motorsport-inspired suspension and Everest-sourced Watt's-link coil rear-end.
Instead, potential buyers might have to console themselves with the Ranger Storm's standard snorkel, silver roof rack and mud-friendly Pirelli Scorpion tyres.
There's no word on whether Ford has approved the Ranger Storm concept for production.
As well as the Ranger Storm concept, Ford Brazil also showcased a Ford Ranger Black Edition based on the local market's Ranger Limited. The changes include an all-black exterior, a tweaked rear tailgate and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
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