Ford sells Lobo street performance versions of the Maverick and F-150 pickups, but the Ranger is left out of the fun. At least in the U.S. In the U.K. and Europe Ford has launched the MS-RT (M-Sport Road Technology) line of vehicles, which is a collaboration with its rally racing car builder and team operator, M-Sport.
The latest revealed at the Paris Motor Show is the Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition, which builds on the previously introduced Ranger MS-RT. The crew cab gets a 40mm (1.57 inches) suspension drop; 21-inch gold diamond-cut wheels; an aerodynamic body kit with an aggressive front splitter rocker and wheel arch extensions, a ducktail spoiler and a diffuser-style rear bumper; plus a graphics package with racing stripes.
The package is offered with either a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel reated at 240 hp and 443 lb-ft or as a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that has a total system output of 281 hp and 514 lb-ft. Neither powertrain is available on U.S. market Rangers, which come with either a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder rated at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft or the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that the Ranger Raptor gets, which is rated at 315 hp and 400 lb-ft.
The Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition also gets an interior upgrade with luxurious synthetic eco-leather and suede upholstery, gold accents, a sport steering wheel, an optional center console for the rear seat and all of the Ranger’s electronic goodies.
Ford doesn’t quote any acceleration or handling figures, but it says the model has a payload capacity of 2,200 pounds tow up to 7,700 pounds with either powertrain. According to Ford, 89% of British Ranger owners use their trucks to tow. Exact pricing hasn’t been announced, but the MS-RT started around $70,000 in the U.K. and the MS-RT Champion Edition is slated to enter production next spring.
