Rugged Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Debuts In Australia As A Baby Raptor

Ford Australia unveiled a Wildtrak X trim for the Ranger, bridging the hole between the Wildtrak and the Raptor by way of off-road prowess and on-road consolation. The brand new trim – which was additionally accessible within the earlier technology of the pickup – good points a beefed-up suspension, wider tracks, and elevated floor clearance, alongside a protracted checklist of ordinary options.

Beginning with the outside, the Ranger WIltrak X will get a barely totally different grille with a colourful accent above the decrease consumption, a metal bash plate, and a set of Matrix LED headlights on the entrance. Different distinct options embrace the solid aluminum aspect steps, the black Ford emblems, the Wildtrak X badges, and the version-specific Cyber Orange shade with contrasting Asphalt Black accents. Ford additionally added the Versatile Rack system with foldable roof racks and a sliding loading rack on the rear mattress.

Learn: Ford Ranger Platinum Debuts As The Most Costly Trim In addition to The Raptor

Most pickup fans will discover the brand new set of 17-inch alloy wheels that are shod in grippy Basic Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires (265/70 R17). Not like the Wildtrak X trims of the previous-gen Ranger which had been principally restricted to beauty modifications, the brand new mannequin comes with some severe suspension upgrades., due to the brand new Bilstein Place-Delicate Dampers with Finish Cease Management Valve (ESCV) expertise. Ford says that the brand new dampers have higher “tuning bandwidth” permitting chassis engineers to enhance the pickup’s skills each on and off the overwhelmed observe whereas retaining the identical 3,500 kg (7,716 kilos) towing capability.

The mixture of bigger wheels and upgraded suspension will increase the observe widths by 30 mm (1.2 inches) on each axles, and provides the Wildtrak X an additional 26 mm (1 inch) of floor clearance in comparison with the common Wildtrak with out the drawbacks of a carry equipment. As described by David Grice, chief platform engineer of the Ford Ranger, the Wildtrak X was designed and engineered with the “overlanding neighborhood entrance of thoughts”.

The Wiltrak X is solely accessible with the bi-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. This implies it doesn’t get the extra highly effective 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel which is non-obligatory within the Wildtrak and commonplace within the Platinum. Energy is transmitted to all 4 wheels by means of a 10-speed computerized gearbox with the assistance of the full-time 4WD system.

Off-road functionality is additional improved by the Path Flip Help and Path Management programs, plus the Rock Crawl drive mode which is borrowed from the Raptor. The Path Flip Help brakes the within rear wheel at low speeds while you drive off the overwhelmed observe, decreasing the turning radius by 25%. Then again, the Path Management is like cruise management for off-road programs, permitting the driving force to set a secure pace of as much as 32 km/h (20 mph) in an effort to think about the steering.

Commonplace gear of the Wildtrak X features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, a B&O premium audio system, and an overhead auxiliary change financial institution supporting the fitment of aftermarket equipment. There’s additionally leather-based and Miko suede upholstery for the seats, Wildtrak X embroidery, Terra suede accents, and Cyber Orange contrasting stitching throughout the cabin.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X will arrive at Australian dealerships within the second half of 2023. The urged retail worth is AU$ 75,990 (US$ 50,815) and the estimated drive-away worth at AU$ 84,789 (US$ 56,698). The latter is AU$ 8,546 (US$ 5,715) costlier than the common Wildtrak, however AU$ 11,451 (US$ 7,657) cheaper than the full-blown Raptor.