You're right, I forgot about the 8 foot bed being available with the 3.5 EB. But a 5.5 or 6.5 foot bed Regular Cab would be lighter. I'm not sure exactly why the Tremor didn't sell, but I know I would want 4x4 with the 3.5 EB for the dragstrip.
My 2001 was a 2WD, regular cab, shortbox, 4.0L, 5spd.. Translation? Strongest and fastest Stock Ranger Available.
Diesel makes absolute sense when you realize they can tow 7500# and still get 19MPG doing it. I come from a small diesel SUV, and I towed a 4700# camper 200+ miles at highway speeds all while averaging 19.5MPG. with a curb weight comparable to the Ranger.
I don't think people buy a truck for mostly an engine option.. they buy it for capability, size, performance, etc. F-150 will always have more engine options than the Ranger. Simply adding a second option won't deter people from buying an F-150.
Look at the torque of the 2.7. It dynos better than the 5.0 in hp and tq. Can the 2.3 say that? Compared to the 2.3, the 2.7 makes much more usable (truck) tq at a very low rpm. When your spooling turbo(s) you're using gas. It's the same reason why the 2.7 and 3.5 don't do any better, and usually worse, than a 6.2 GM towing a trailer. They have to work harder to get that load moving and sustained. TFL tested the F-150 2.7 on their MPG loop and it did better than the Ranger. How? It's 300+ lbs heavier and has a bigger frontal surface area. The Ranger is a heavy truck for the 2.3 IMHO. Not that it doesn't do the job well, it is quite quick, it just loses it's efficiency advantage due to the weight and load.
Diesels really make no sense in a 1/2 ton. They'll never pay for themselves for 99% of the people who buy them. The F-150 diesel has basically been a sales flop. I doubt the Ranger will get one. If Ford want's "Best in class" bragging rights, they have a 2.7 that would crush everything in the class.
Who's trading in? That would not make sense for most. But, a new buyer of a 2020 would be crazy not to buy a 2.7 over the 2.3 if the option was priced right. With that said, I think Ford will put a premium on the 2.7 should it be an option. It's not needed when compared to the 2.3. It is wanted by many who would likely pony up the extra $$ on an already over priced truck to have what they "want". Want's vs needs......This is AmericaYours is a persistent argument with just enough merit to sound plausible.
Unfortunately it is an old one and I remember when it was used to support V8s when the better choice was an I-6 for a particular application.
You may be chasing rainbows and wasting money next year if the V6 is offered and you trade-in a perfectly capable new truck, but it may be worth it if it makes you happy, and that is what really matters.
It took 3 model years to get Ford to build my old Ranger, but I kept it for 18 years so I get it.
I have loved the 2.7 since I first saw it at introduction, But I was excited that the 2.3 was chosen for the Ranger. Given the choice for even money I would choose the 2.3... let alone paying more.
