Ford has revealed an aggressive, street-focused version of its Ranger ute called the MS-RT, developed in collaboration with M-Sport. While the vehicle is set to launch in Europe by mid-2024, its potential arrival in the Australian market remains uncertain.
Key Features of the Ranger MS-RT
- Lowered ride height by 40mm
- Widened track by 40mm for improved handling
- 21-inch diamond-cut wheels with low-profile tyres
- Aggressive body kit including new bumpers, splitter, and spoilers
- Upgraded suspension for enhanced on-road performance
Powertrain
- 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine
- 176kW of power and 600Nm of torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Full-time four-wheel drive system
Australian Availability
A Ford Australia spokesperson stated, "We have no news to share on any plans to bring the Transit Custom MS-RT or Ranger MS-RT to Australia". This leaves the possibility open but does not confirm any immediate plans for an Australian launch.
Market Context
The Ranger MS-RT represents a departure from traditional off-road focused utes, positioning itself as the "ultimate street truck". This aligns with a potential resurgence of street-oriented sport trucks, as seen with recent concepts like the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner.
While the Australian automotive aftermarket shows strong growth potential, the specific demand for a street-focused Ranger variant remains to be seen. The previous generation Ranger MS-RT was available in some markets with less extensive modifications.
As Ford continues to evaluate its global product strategy, the potential for the Ranger MS-RT in Australia will likely depend on market demand and alignment with local preferences.
