Ford readies its Rangers for Dakar
Ford has officially announced its entry into the upcoming Dakar Rally. And it's a pretty simple formula: dropping a V8 Mustang engine into its Ranger pick-up.
A two-Ranger strong team has been confirmed as the Ford team for Dakar. The two Rangers have been readied by Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)-based Neil Woolridge Motorsport and the logistics are being taken care of by German-based South Racing.
The two Rangers have been readied by Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)-based Neil Woolridge Motorsport
The two T6 Ranger 4x4 Double Cab vehicles are powered by the Mustang's V8 5.0-liter engine that churns out 349PS and 560Nm at around 4000 rpm. They get full-composite bodies and Sadev six-speed sequential gearboxes to go with their four-wheel drive setup. Independent front and rear suspensions, front and rear anti-roll bars and Michelin tyres on 16-inch Evocorse wheels kit out the custom Dakar Rangers. Controlling the beasts is Brembo's front air-cooled and rear water-cooled brakes. The 2014 Dakar Ranger weighs 1,975 kg and can reach a top speed of 170kmph.
The annual Dakar Rally now runs from Argentina to Chile
The annual Dakar Rally, which now runs from Argentina to Chile, covers more than 8000 kms and is one of the toughest and most widely spoken-off inter-continental rallies. Last year's affair had 745 competitors, from 53 nationalities. It will take place from January 5-18, 2014.
"We are extremely proud to be sending these South African-built Rangers to the 2014 Dakar. Dakar is the ultimate test of man and machine and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate with a phenomenal team comprised of local and global expertise," said Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO, Ford (South Africa).
