The Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] no longer offers the Ranger in these parts but overseas the compact truck is still going strong, with a new model just unveiled this year. The most exciting version of this global Ranger is called the Wildtrak, though it doesn’t offer any serious performance mods. Instead, Ford may be planning a new variant for the enthusiast crowd, one that may revive the FX4 name or perhaps even be badged a Raptor.
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Australian publication CarAdvice has managed to dig up some trademark filings made by Ford Oz for “Ranger Raptor” and “Ranger FX4”. Of course, automakers often register trademarks simply to protect the names or to use them for purposes other than on new vehicles, but the guys at CarAdvice have also managed to spot Ford engineers testing a Ranger sporting some upgrades that wouldn’t look out of place on something like our own F-150 Raptor.
The test vehicle was spotted with a raised ride height, a snorkel and some widened wheel arches, hinting that it could be a for tailored off-road version of the new Ranger, something that might bear a Raptor or FX4 name. Sadly, even if such a vehicle were built, it wouldn’t be coming to the U.S. as Ford is focused on its bigger F-series for our market.
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The latest Ranger comes in single- or dual-cab bodies, along with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. The only engines at present are a pair of turbodiesels: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.2-liter six-cylinder with 197 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque.
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