Las Vegas - Ford’s Ranger might be a familiar sight to South Africans, but to our friends in the USA the current-generation pick-up is a new model, with the Ranger nameplate currently making a comeback to that market after an eight-year hiatus.
To celebrate the reintroduction of Ranger, Ford approached its performance and accessories teams to collaborate on seven highly customised vehicles for the upcoming SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas.
No engine mods to speak of here, but US Rangers are already pretty strong, all featuring a 201kW 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol engine.
Without further ado, let’s meet ‘em.
Ranger XLT 4x4 by Air Design
Built for off-road adventures, this Ranger is kitted out with Air Design accessories, including a flared front bumper, fender extensions, bonnet scoop and rear spoilers. It rides on 20-inch Fuel Ripper satin black wheels and also features BDS suspension and Fox 2.5 DSC coilovers.
Baja-forged Ranger XLT FX4 by LGE CTS Moto
Just as the name suggests, this truck is ready to race in the desert, featuring tube-style front and rear bumpers and a mid-travel suspension system by Icon Vehicle Dynamics, which also supplied the 17-inch bronze wheels, clad with BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres.
Ford Performance Parts Ranger Pre-Runner
Designed to help off-road racing teams scout trails, the Pre-Runner rides on Fox/BDS Suspension with off-road shocks and BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres.
It’s also kitted with a Desert Race front bumper with integrated skid plate, LED underbody lighting and Ford’s FX4 Off-Road Package.
Ranger XLT FX4 by Addictive Desert Designs
Perhaps ‘Addictive’ has a double meaning here as the Xbox Ranger by Addictive Desert Designs is said to be the closest thing to bringing the gaming world to life. Indeed the real fun is for the two back-seat passengers, who get to enjoy custom-mounted Xbox One Xs. Where were these when we were growing up?
Ford Ranger Base Camp
Just as the name implies, the Base Camp Ranger has pretty much everything you’d want or need for an off-road camping adventure, except for the braai meat and beer.
These include a roof tent with ladder, Slim Shady awning and heavy-duty rack kit. Getting you to the middle of nowhere is Fox/BDS off-road suspension, All-Terrain KO2 tyres and a snorkel; other handy kit includes a front winch and full recovery kit.
Ranger XLT 4x4 by BDS Suspension
One of the boldest in terms of looks, the Ranger XLT 4x4 by BDS Suspension features a BDS Suspension lift-kit, Fox 2.5 DSC coil-overs, AirLift rear airbag system and KMC XD Series Grenade off-road wheels.
A serious worker at heart, the pick-up also gets a custom long-bed conversion and Knapheide utility box with custom-built rack system for tools, supplies and recovery gear.
Project Nightfall by A.R.E. Accessories
In contrast to the others that you’ve seen so far, the Ranger Lariat 4x4 Project Nightfall by A.R.E. Accessories was designed for showing off in the urban jungle. Accessories include 20-inch Black Rhino alloys with Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tyres, Fox shocks, Bushwacker fender flares and Ford Performance stealth bumpers.