โJun-10-2015 01:24 AM
FORD'S range-topping Ranger Wildtrak will set a new safety standard for the one-tonne ute segment when it arrives in the third quarter, with a raft of driver assistance equipment not yet seen in its class.
While recent advances in active cruise control and lane-departure monitoring technology have found their way into passenger vehicles in recent years, the safety systems have not been applied to any models in the Australian light-commercial class, until now.
Sitting at the top of Ford's popular Ranger line-up, the pumped-up Wildtrak will bring a selection of off-road performance-enhancing gear, extra aesthetic tweaks as well as adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, lane-keep assistance and a driver impairment monitor.
With the potentially lifesaving features, Ford's flagship Ranger Wildtrak out-guns the safety standards of its key rivals, including the just launched Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton, as well as the Mazda BT50, Holden Colorado and even the high-specced Volkswagen Amarok.
Toyota's segment-dominating HiLux will touch down on Australian dirt shortly after the Ranger's third quarter launch, but no mention has been made of any similar safety and driver-assistance equipment for Toyota's new-gen pick-up either.
Ford has not yet outlined the rest of the Ranger line-up but details are expected to be made official soon, along with a concrete release date and pricing. At this stage, a September launch is looking most likely.
The Blue Oval was unable to confirm if the safety equipment would be included in any other Ranger variants, but Ford Australia brand communications manager Neil McDonald told GoAuto the top tech is traditionally seen in the highest-spec cars initially.
โIt's probably a bit early to say but customarily that sort of technology comes in at the high-end first,โ he said. โIt's probably a bit early to see where it's going to be available in the rest of the range.
If the Ranger evolves with a similar progression to other lines, the autonomous braking and other safety equipment is likely to be offered in lesser variants later in the model's lifecycle.
The Wildtrak's lane-keeping assistant can alert the driver if the vehicle unintentionally wanders out of a lane and if the warning is ignored, the system can provide steering correction to maintain the vehicle's course.
Adaptive cruise control uses forward facing sensors to maintain a set distance from a leading vehicle even if its speed fluctuates, while the same technology can provide a warning and primes the brakes if a nose-to-tail collision is imminent.
A driver-impairment monitor also uses the forward-facing camera to detect signs of driver drowsiness along with steering behaviour monitoring, and issues an audible warning if fatigue is sensed.
The Wildtrak is also equipped with more commonplace safety systems such as all-round parking radar with reversing camera, tyre-pressure monitoring, ESC with roll-over mitigation and emergency assistance via Ford's Sync2 system.
In addition to the significant boost in safety tech, the Wildtrak gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and tougher-looking exterior treatments including a dark โliquid metallicโ grey grille with accentuated โnostrilsโ, with the unique colouring repeated on door mirrors and handles, side vents, bed rails and tail-lights.
Wide side steps, roof rails and a special smoked roll-over bar are also standard fare on the Wildtrak, while the Pride Orange paintwork and nameplate emblazoned on the front doors sets it apart from other Rangers.
The top-spec version will also be available dressed-up in Cool White, Black Mica, Metropolitan Grey and Aluminium.
A dusting of unique features continues on the inside with more smoky trims to match the exterior, two-tone orange upholstery with matching stitching, while the driver's seat is adjustable in eight ways.
The Sync2 information and entertainment is accessible through the 8.0-inch touchscreen or through recently revised, simpler voice commands. More natural spoken instructions can be used to control cabin temperature, entertainment sources and navigation functions.
Like the previous-generation Ranger Wildtrak, the new version is also powered by Ford's 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder diesel engine, which pumps 147kW and 470Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission, to just the rear wheels or all four corners at the flick of a switch.
Power is unchanged over the previous model but exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) development has cut fuel consumption by 18 per cent says Ford, while electric power steering has lopped another three per cent off fuel use.
Ford is yet to release performance figures but a combined 21 per cent boost in fuel efficiency takes consumption to about 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres.(38mpg U.S.)
Selecting two or four-wheel drive can be done on the fly with the centrally positioned control knob, with a low-range option for more serious off-road or towing work.
Ground clearance is a generous 230mm allowing the Wildtrak to wade through up to 800mm-deep water, while hill-hold, hill descent and Adaptive Load Control gives the range-topping Ranger more ability on and off-road. Towing capacity is rated at 3500kg.
Ford Asia Pacific product development vice president Trevor Worthington said the new Wildtrak builds on the strengths of the forthcoming Ranger.
โThe 2015 Wildtrak takes the Ford Ranger to the next level with an aggressive exterior, a premium, sporty, interior, the latest driver assist technologies and capabilities that ensure itโs up for any adventure,โ he said.
โBuilding on the bolder, smarter and more refined 2015 Ranger, the advanced Wildtrak is a perfect fit for customers who want to combine genuine 4x4 capability with stand-out styling and premium features.โ
โJun-11-2015 09:12 PM
โJun-11-2015 05:41 PM
IdaD wrote:
No, you don't. You've made that abundantly clear already. I'm not going to start a separate thread with the sole purpose of making you look dumb. That wouldn't be very nice and there's really no point.
โJun-11-2015 05:25 PM
โJun-11-2015 05:22 PM
IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:So basically you're talking out of your backend. I could see a good departure able being an advantage. Payload has nothing to do with off road ability, though. You can get diesels in the US, and they aren't inherently better offroad (they have advantages and disadvantages). "Good on sand" doesn't mean anything, and "indestructible" is meaningles puffery
Totally wrong. Off Road ability here is not just climbing rocks it is going Off Road with a substantial payload, fording creeks, etc. a Jeep Wrangler is great climbing rocks but useless as an Off Road vehicle
A Jeep Wrangler isn't a pickup, which is what I thought we were discussion.
If you're going to spew meaningless generalities I'm done. If you can give me specific features I'd be genuinely interested in hearing about them. Locking differentials, low range ratio, suspension type, etc. I'm getting none of this type of thing from you. Most likely because you don't understand what any of it is or how it actually impacts off road capability, but I digress.
That would require more than a thread to answer that. This is my last post on this thread, it is now repeating itself
I suspected you had no knowledge on the subject and we're talking out of your back end, but thanks for confirming it for everybody.
I do but The thread is about the Ford Ranger versus Hilux. You start a thread about Off Road ability and I will join
No, you don't. You've made that abundantly clear already. I'm not going to start a separate thread with the sole purpose of making you look dumb. That wouldn't be very nice and there's really no point.
โJun-11-2015 05:17 PM
RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:So basically you're talking out of your backend. I could see a good departure able being an advantage. Payload has nothing to do with off road ability, though. You can get diesels in the US, and they aren't inherently better offroad (they have advantages and disadvantages). "Good on sand" doesn't mean anything, and "indestructible" is meaningles puffery
Totally wrong. Off Road ability here is not just climbing rocks it is going Off Road with a substantial payload, fording creeks, etc. a Jeep Wrangler is great climbing rocks but useless as an Off Road vehicle
A Jeep Wrangler isn't a pickup, which is what I thought we were discussion.
If you're going to spew meaningless generalities I'm done. If you can give me specific features I'd be genuinely interested in hearing about them. Locking differentials, low range ratio, suspension type, etc. I'm getting none of this type of thing from you. Most likely because you don't understand what any of it is or how it actually impacts off road capability, but I digress.
That would require more than a thread to answer that. This is my last post on this thread, it is now repeating itself
I suspected you had no knowledge on the subject and we're talking out of your back end, but thanks for confirming it for everybody.
I do but The thread is about the Ford Ranger versus Hilux. You start a thread about Off Road ability and I will join
โJun-11-2015 05:11 PM
โJun-11-2015 05:10 PM
DaveF-250SD wrote:
Robert Ryan, excuse me for going off topic here. You mentioned the F-250 SD trucks in Australia having a much lower tow rating than the same truck in the United States/Canada. Why exactly is that done there? It would seem to someone looking from the outside that the numbers may be being intentionally manipulated (i.e. corporate/Government regulations) to slow down sales of these trucks there?
โJun-11-2015 05:01 PM
โJun-11-2015 04:55 PM
IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:So basically you're talking out of your backend. I could see a good departure able being an advantage. Payload has nothing to do with off road ability, though. You can get diesels in the US, and they aren't inherently better offroad (they have advantages and disadvantages). "Good on sand" doesn't mean anything, and "indestructible" is meaningles puffery
Totally wrong. Off Road ability here is not just climbing rocks it is going Off Road with a substantial payload, fording creeks, etc. a Jeep Wrangler is great climbing rocks but useless as an Off Road vehicle
A Jeep Wrangler isn't a pickup, which is what I thought we were discussion.
If you're going to spew meaningless generalities I'm done. If you can give me specific features I'd be genuinely interested in hearing about them. Locking differentials, low range ratio, suspension type, etc. I'm getting none of this type of thing from you. Most likely because you don't understand what any of it is or how it actually impacts off road capability, but I digress.
That would require more than a thread to answer that. This is my last post on this thread, it is now repeating itself
I suspected you had no knowledge on the subject and we're talking out of your back end, but thanks for confirming it for everybody.
โJun-11-2015 04:52 PM
RobertRyan wrote:IdaD wrote:RobertRyan wrote:So basically you're talking out of your backend. I could see a good departure able being an advantage. Payload has nothing to do with off road ability, though. You can get diesels in the US, and they aren't inherently better offroad (they have advantages and disadvantages). "Good on sand" doesn't mean anything, and "indestructible" is meaningles puffery
Totally wrong. Off Road ability here is not just climbing rocks it is going Off Road with a substantial payload, fording creeks, etc. a Jeep Wrangler is great climbing rocks but useless as an Off Road vehicle
A Jeep Wrangler isn't a pickup, which is what I thought we were discussion.
If you're going to spew meaningless generalities I'm done. If you can give me specific features I'd be genuinely interested in hearing about them. Locking differentials, low range ratio, suspension type, etc. I'm getting none of this type of thing from you. Most likely because you don't understand what any of it is or how it actually impacts off road capability, but I digress.
That would require more than a thread to answer that. This is my last post on this thread, it is now repeating itself
โJun-11-2015 04:31 PM
RobertRyan wrote:
Jeremiah,
It is the New Hilux, see details on the FLTruck Site. It has not been released as yet, yes local sites, but this is a U.S. Site
Fast Lane Truck article on Hilux
โJun-11-2015 04:24 PM
The Toyota Hilux has built up a tough truck reputation over its 47 year history. The eighth generation model has recently been shown in Australia and Thailand with a focus on those local markets. It has a beefed up frame and two upgraded turbo-diesel engine options. It will be offered with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and come in all three cab configurations as well as 2WD โHi-Riderโ model.
2016 toyota hilux tacoma turbo diesel engine
The beginner diesel is a 2.4-liter unit that is capable of 295 lb-ft of torque, while the bigger 2.8-liter four-cylinder can apply 331.9 lb-ft of twist. Toyota claims a 10% fuel efficiency improvement over the previous generation engines. The bigger diesel could be a worthy motor for the American market, so that the Tacoma can do battle against the GM 2.8-liter Duramax. The gasoline engine lineup includes a 2.7-liter four and the 4.0-liter V6.
However, the really impressive numbers come courtesy of the maximum towing and payload ratings. The heaviest towing is limited to 3.5 tonnes. This metric tonne rating translates to 7,716 pounds of maximum towing. It comes from many legal caveats and proper towing package and equipment. Could the 2016 Toyota Tacoma manage the same?
2016-toyota-hilux-single-cab-work
The maximum payload is rated at a half-ton pickup busting 2,733 pounds (1,240 kg). This is a really impressive load carrying capability. Again, your Hilux will have to be properly equipped for maximum weight.
The next generation Hilux should go on sale in October of 2015 with many other interior and equipment improvements.
โJun-11-2015 04:16 PM
RobertRyan wrote:ShinerBock wrote:RobertRyan wrote:
You really love to distort the facts, who said dual cab Pickup? Yes the Sportstrac has a similar size ut it had no model that could carry 3,000lb or tow 8,000lbs. The Ranger is a single cab that can carry 3,000lb plus
Okay, what is the year, make , and model of this dual cab global pick up that has a payload of 3,000 lbs and a tow rating of 8,000 lbs. If there is one like you are saying then this information would be easy to give.
Well the new Toyota Hilux has that, like to take it up with Toyota? Minus 300lbsc On that note my last post on the subject
โJun-11-2015 04:08 PM
RobertRyan wrote:
Well the new Toyota Hilux has that, like to take it up with Toyota? Minus 300lbsc On that note my last post on the subject