'Ultimate street' Ford Ranger MS-RT launched
Ford wants to bring 'motorsport-inspired productivity' to UK. That includes the most powerful Transit Custom yet
Ford has a long and illustrious history when it comes to racy trucks. Who else could have come up with the SuperVan? And then made four of them? There was that Transit like Colin McRae’s Focus WRC, the Transit with the XJ220 engine (though that is technically TWR’s thing) and, more recently, Raptor-spec pickups on both sides of the Atlantic. When it comes to commercial vehicles and being a bit OTT, Ford is the expert.
The MS-RT (M-Sport Road Technology) models have been around for a while now, with earlier Ranger, Transit Connect and Transit Custom models proving very popular. So of course they were going to return for the latest generation, both Transit Custom MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT ‘combining stunning looks with extreme capability’ thanks to the input of the folk who prepared the Puma rally car. And that amazing Pandamonium restomod. Or an offshoot of it, at least. But some M-Sport influence on your commercial vehicle is better than none at all.
Sadly the Ranger isn’t based on the Raptor, fun though that would be, instead motoring along with the 240hp V6 diesel. It’s been designed as ‘the ultimate street truck, with muscular motorsport-inspired styling’ though keeps the same one-tonne max payload and 3,500kg towing capacity as the standard Ranger. The engine and 10-speed auto also remain untouched.
The big news is for the styling; the latest Range hardly wants for visual clout, though this MS-RT is even moodier again. Even the colour is Conquer Grey. The arches are flared 82mm, the track increased 40mm and the ride height dropped 40mm; even without seeing the pictures, it’s easy to imagine how that might transform the Ranger. The images only serve to make the same point even more emphatically: this truck ain’t moving for nobody. It’s halfway to being eligible for the NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series with the new bodykit, ducktail spoiler and all. The wheels are now diamond cut and 21-inch diameter, the largest ever offered for the Ford Ranger, so good luck with those on site. As always, there is a smattering of MS-RT badges, in case the look wasn’t evidence enough this wasn’t the average Ranger.
It should be one that’s better to drive as well, because the suspension work is more than just a ride height drop. The front dampers are new and the rear setup is ‘retuned’, all of which promises ‘greater handling precision and stability through corners.’ The Ranger is already a smart-handling truck, so this bodes well. Completing the MS-RT overhaul are more supportive seats, additional badges, and a ‘heated, sculpted sports steering wheel’ with a blue 12 o’clock marker.
The approach with the Transit is broadly similar, and mirrors that seen on the previous MS-RT models: make the Ford commercial vehicle smarter to look at and sharper to drive. So yes, that is a motorsport-inspired rear spoiler with airflow optimised using advanced computer simulations (including a split one for cargo door vans). Yes, that is also a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. And, yes, they are 19-inch wheels on a Transit - more than a kilo lighter than standard they are, too. They come with commercial-spec Goodyear Eagle Sport tyres, and the tracks are 50mm wider than standard also. It’s basically a Transit Track Pack.
As with all Transits, the MS-RT will be offered with a host of powertrains. This mean green machine (the colour is actually Yellow Green) is, appropriately enough, the 285hp e-Transit, as that’s the only model in the lineup with the ‘coast-to-coast’ LED between the front light. Customers will also be able to get the MS-RT upgrades with the AWD, 170hp diesel, 150hp, FWD, manual diesel, or the upcoming 232hp PHEV. All of them get gloss black mirror caps and door handles, plus MS-RT Blue brake calipers, if going literally green is too obvious a giveaway.
Just like the Ranger, the Transit retains all the usability of the standard car, meaning up to 1,124kg max payload and 6.8 cubic metres of load space. And once engine choice has been made, MS-RT customers will have to select between one row of seats or a crew cab that puts a second row in and room for five. All get the logos, sculpted wheel and seats in non-animal leather and suede.
“We’re delighted to add MS-RT models to our Ford Pro portfolio, offering an exciting, halo option from the dealership for customers who need a commercial vehicle but also want to make a statement about their business,” said Ford Pro Europe’s general manager Hans Schep. “More customers are wanting a work vehicle for the week but something that supports their lifestyle at the weekend. These new MS-RT vehicles are the perfect answer.” Both Ranger and Transit are available to order now (we’re tracking down a price!) with deliveries expected in time for whatever your summer lifestyle is. But if it can’t wait, the classifieds are chock full of MS-RTs, which is usually a good sign of popularity. You can have a Transit British Racing Green like an old touring car, blue and gold like an Impreza, yellow like it’s an Escort RS2000 and many more. Long live the fast Ford van!
Perfect for the tradesmen that need to reclaim the VAT on everything (which the Raptor was ineligible for). Not for me, but it is a hugely popular market
The Ranger does nothing for me but the Transit looks very nice.
The Ranger does nothing for me but the Transit looks very nice.
The only functional upgrade are the lighter wheels and wider track. The rest is aesthetic only.
The only functional upgrade are the lighter wheels and wider track. The rest is aesthetic only.
The only functional upgrade are the lighter wheels and wider track. The rest is aesthetic only.
The Ranger does nothing for me but the Transit looks very nice.
The only functional upgrade are the lighter wheels and wider track. The rest is aesthetic only.
Look at most comments on here, aesthetics are the most criticised aspect of any new car on PH.
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