SPY PICS: Ford Ranger FX4 Max on the way
Ford Ranger 'Raptor-Lite' captured testing in USAUS spy pics of a fleet of high-riding Ford Ranger prototypes undergoing testing are further proof of a ‘Raptor-Lite’ version of the popular pick-up expected to be dubbed FX4 Max in Australia.
The FX4 Max name was registered in Australia by Ford last December. It’s shaping as one of the last new-model additions for the current T6 Ranger line-up, ahead of the all-new T7 Ranger’s roll-out from around late 2021.
The existing Ford Ranger FX4 currently sold in Australia is a limited-edition black-pack based on the popular XLT.
But the new Ford Ranger FX4 Max will be much more than that and is understood to be close to local release.
US media is speculating the new Ranger variant will be known as the Tremor, a name for an off-road pack already associated with the F-250 and 350 Super Duty pick-ups in North America.
What’s the link back to Australia? Check out those wheels – they’re straight off the Aussie Ranger Raptor which isn’t offered in the USA.
Ford’s Victorian Product Development Centre is the engineering and design homeroom for the T6 and the FX4 Max/Tremor upgrade was almost certainly designed and developed in Australia ahead of the US testing captured here by our spies.
The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is expected to at least include some form of suspension and ground clearance upgrades, along with beefy all-terrain rubber.
The spy shots also show off a type of tubular side step not seen fitted to the Ranger previously.
There’s also speculation of a revised front air-dam to improve approach angles. Clearly, judging by the circular disguise along the sides of some of the vehicles, a decal pack is also part of the deal.
There is no suggestion the Ranger FX4 Max will include engine upgrades.
In the bigger Super Duty models, the Tremor Pack bring upgraded suspension, special running boards, heavier-duty tyres and Trail Control, an ultra-slow off-road cruise control.
The arrival of the FX4 Max will add to a recent burst of updates announced for the Ranger to coincide with the arrival of the upgraded Toyota HiLux and the new Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50.
They include an ‘MY20.75’ update for Raptor and Wildtrak variants as well as other Ranger 4x4 models, plus the roll-out of the FordPass app, all from December this year.
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