The mid-size truck segment has always played second fiddle, but it’s quickly shaping up to be the one to watch.
Besides the recently unveiled Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, Toyota is working on a new Tacoma. Ford will also offer a version of the redesigned Ranger in America and we’re starting to learn more about it.
According to Ranger6G, the North American version of the truck will go into production at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne on July 10th. The website goes onto say production has been pushed back by two months and suggests the truck will arrive at U.S. dealerships in August or September.
Also: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Debuts Down Under With 392 HP
Given that time frame, it’s not surprising that undisguised prototypes have been spotted in Metro Detroit. They look virtually identical to the overseas variant, but have a handful of minor styling tweaks including lights or reflectors in the front fenders, a sliding rear window, and a third brake light that moves from the tailgate to the rear of the cab. Previous prototypes have also been spotted with a longer bed and it should make the North American model a bit more practical.
The redesigned truck will likely be unveiled in the coming months and we’re expecting it to be offered with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that develops up to 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque when running on premium gasoline.
The Ranger Raptor will also be offered in America and it’s slated to feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The engine develops 392 hp (292 kW / 397 PS) and 430 lb-ft (583 Nm) of torque in the Australian variant, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the North America model is rated at 418 hp (312 kW / 424 PS) and 440 lb-ft (596 Nm) like the Bronco Raptor.
