Ford Ranger Thunder Edition Introduced For Europe

Administrator

Administrator
Joined
Feb 14, 2017
Threads
191
Messages
357
Reaction score
973
NEW FORD RANGER THUNDER STORMS INTO EUROPE
18-May-2020 | DUNTON, UK

FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_01-2.jpg


  • New special-edition Ford Ranger Thunder offers exclusive colour-contrast exterior and interior specifications to deliver bold, assertive design
  • Efficient and powerful bi-turbo 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, 10-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive and Double Cab body style all standard
  • Limited production of 4,500 Ranger Thunders for Europe, of which 1,400 destined for UK customers priced from ÂŁ32,965 RRP (excluding VAT)

DUNTON, UK, May 18, 2020 – The new Ford Ranger Thunder brings style and enhanced specification to Europe’s best-selling pick-up, now available to order from £32,965 (RRP, excluding VAT) for late summer delivery.

Limited to 1,400 examples for the UK and 30 for Ireland, Ranger Thunder adds exclusive interior and exterior design to the 2020 International Pick-up Award-winner, with plenty of popular practical options as standard.

Powered by Ford’s bi-turbo 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, providing 213PS and 500Nm of torque, Ranger Thunder also features Ford’s 10-speed automatic gearbox as standard for smooth shifting and effortless performance on- and off-road.

Derived from the highly popular Ranger Wildtrak series, Thunder combines high specification with optimised load hauling and tough four-wheel drive capability.

“With an edgier look for customers who aren’t afraid to be noticed, the new Ranger Thunder will be an unmistakeable presence” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “This capable, comfortable and stylish addition to Europe’s best-selling pick-up range is as tough and versatile as it is charismatic.”

Tough and distinctive design

Ranger Thunder is offered in a single specification, finished in Sea Grey with bold red highlights on the grille and sports hoop, complemented by three-dimensional-effect “Thunder” badges for the driver and front passenger doors and tailgate, while the “Ranger” logo is finished in matte black.

Thunder also gains exclusive 18-inch black alloy wheels and Ebony Black executions for the front grille, rear bumper, skid plates, fog light surrounds, load bay sports hoop and door handles.

LED headlights with darkened bezels are also standard, with darkened taillight bezels at the rear. A black Mountain Top powder-coated roller shutter with bedliner divider is available as an optional extra on Thunder, enhancing load bay practicality with style.

Inside, Thunder is equipped with full Ebony leather seats with distinctive “Thunder” red embroidery and matching stitching across the steering wheel, seats, instrument panel and key touch points throughout the cabin. Black floor mats are also standard and contrast with bespoke red-illuminated sill plates.

Proven powertrain

The Ranger Thunder’s powerful bi-turbo 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine offers outstanding pulling power, using twin turbochargers in series at lower engine speeds for enhanced torque and responsiveness, and bypassing the smaller turbocharger at higher engine speeds to provide maximum boost from the larger turbocharger for peak power.

Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission offers performance and durability proven in applications as diverse as the Ford F-150 pick-up and Ford Mustang. The transmission features a wide spread of ratios and real-time adaptive shift-scheduling that adapts to changing conditions – enabling the optimal gear to be selected for performance, fuel efficiency or refinement in any driving scenario.

Thunder features Ranger’s proven four-wheel drive system for highly competent off-road capability and will deliver fuel efficiency up to 36.2mpg and CO2 emissions from 205g/km (NEDC), or 31.0mpg and 239g/km (WLTP).

Ranger had its best-ever year in 2019, with 52,500 vehicles sold across Europe and more than 16,000 of those in the UK alone. Total UK Ranger sales are expected to pass 150,000 later this year, since it was launched in 1998. This is third generation Ranger Thunder, with the first making its debut in 2003 and the second in 2009.

FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_06.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_07.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_03.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_05.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_02.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_04.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_11.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_10.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_09.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_13.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_17.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_12.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_16.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_15.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_14.jpg
FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_08.jpg


FORD_RANGER_THUNDER_01-2.jpg
Sponsored

 

RANGER_MARC

Well-Known Member
First Name
MARC
Joined
Apr 29, 2019
Threads
3
Messages
1,728
Reaction score
4,287
Location
Delaware USA
Vehicle(s)
FORD RANGER LARIAT 2019
Occupation
TEACH
Vehicle Showcase
1
Way cool, man! Looks like "Black Appearance Package" on steroids! (How come Europe, Australia, and Brazil get all the latest Ranger innovations? Or is Ford lulling us to sleep before springing a 3.5 Liter Turbocharged Ranger Raptor on us?)
 

SOHK_Alumni

Well-Known Member
First Name
Win
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Threads
12
Messages
352
Reaction score
701
Location
Tampa
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ranger, 2019 Ranger FX4, 2002 Vanden Plas, 1977 Eclat
Occupation
Glorified Mechanic
Looks better than the Storm version to my eyes.

The red on the outside doesn't do a lot for me, but otherwise, good looking truck. Really like the interior and the vented, trayless dash

Guess if you want the 3.2 diesel you opt for the WildTrak if you want the 2.0, the Thunder might fill the need.
 

UncleBob

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bob
Joined
May 3, 2019
Threads
2
Messages
215
Reaction score
286
Location
Fullerton, CA
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 2WD in Magnetic
Occupation
Retired
I like both the grill and the roof rails. Mainly because they are reminiscent of the Sport Trac which I had.

I don't like the treatment of that 'thing' at the rear of the cab. Mainly because it is too reminiscent of the Avalanche which I never liked.
 


Raptor-EU

Well-Known Member
First Name
Henri
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Threads
13
Messages
81
Reaction score
126
Location
Madrid
Website
www.puraleña.com
Vehicle(s)
Ford Ranger Raptor
Occupation
A lot of nothing.
Vehicle Showcase
1
Marketing wise I would say they want to boost their momentum here in Europe. And sell some more standard rangers.
A (nice!) cosmetic makeover would help a lot.

When I ordered mine. It was officially not in any stock in Spain. They however had 650+ Rangers in all colours and models waiting for buyers.
I was lucky to be consistent. Threatening to go next door for a Toyota or a Jeep Gladiator. As I was without a car (company lease ended), and wanted my long desired high end 4x4.

After some calls and offers for buying a nearly new (only test rides.....). They found out that there was one Raptor left without registration. But kept apart by the management.
So instead of enlisting for a near 9 month waiting list. I transferred some money and was driving my Raptor in 9 days.

Imagine my big smile. And my mirror hanger smiley reminds me every time how lucky I've been. And just enjoy being a proud owner and never look back if it was the right investment or not.

Back to topic. Ford will always be working on their next model line. But seeing their joined agreement with the Volkswagen group. I put my money on an upcoming hybrid Ranger with a joined Ford/VW base platform.

20200103_173453.jpg
 

NickTheEnforcer

Well-Known Member
First Name
Anthony
Joined
Jul 4, 2019
Threads
5
Messages
653
Reaction score
1,093
Location
Northern Illinois
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger XLT Sport 4x4, 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE Sport AWD, 2009 Dodge Ram Big Horn Crew 4x4 HEMI
Occupation
Residential Construction Project Development & Purchasing.
My turn...
Dont like the bed-air foil thing, or the red accents, or the cargo rails...

I would like a 'midnight' version like the bow-tie group did, sort-of.. [3] colors offered: Black, Magnetic Metallic & Dark Blue would have blacked out trim, rims and accents. darker rear windows...

Plus a Hybrid option, we just bought a 2020 escape se sport hybrid [yes its a mouthful!] The 2.5L Atkinson motor is amazing and would be perfect with some tuning for a 4x4/4x2 truck. Her 2016 escape awd se got on average 24 mpg. We have had the '20 about a month and she's averaging 38.7 mpg. It has loads of power and a joy to drive. I'd totally consider a 2021 Ranger Hybrid!
 

Raptor-EU

Well-Known Member
First Name
Henri
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Threads
13
Messages
81
Reaction score
126
Location
Madrid
Website
www.puraleña.com
Vehicle(s)
Ford Ranger Raptor
Occupation
A lot of nothing.
Vehicle Showcase
1
I agree the red accents aren't my personal favourite either. So it is presented as a 'limited' edition. For the ones who do like it. It is a bit like placing some hi-vis 'TURBO' stickers in the last century.

I must say that the bed separator looks like a nice additional part to avoid shopping bags sliding forward. But for the money a net would do for me. That one would probably set me off a lot of liters of fuel.
 

RangerVA

Well-Known Member
First Name
Vince
Joined
Mar 6, 2020
Threads
17
Messages
324
Reaction score
998
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
Vehicle Showcase
1
Looks hideous. US got the better looking Rangers (just need the Raptor).
 

r1ch999999

Well-Known Member
First Name
Rich
Joined
Jan 4, 2020
Threads
28
Messages
1,153
Reaction score
1,924
Location
Nashua, NH
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ranger Lariat Crew Cab 4x4
Occupation
Software Engineer
I like the grill and the roof rails. I miss the roof rails that my Sport Trac had. I never should have sold that.
 

Raptor-EU

Well-Known Member
First Name
Henri
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Threads
13
Messages
81
Reaction score
126
Location
Madrid
Website
www.puraleña.com
Vehicle(s)
Ford Ranger Raptor
Occupation
A lot of nothing.
Vehicle Showcase
1
I like the grill and the roof rails. I miss the roof rails that my Sport Trac had. I never should have sold that.
I have direct roof mounted RhinoRack cross-bars. Not to fond of building a Lego stack on my roof. Apart from straining points due to all connectors, I see no need to raise my gravity centre. And get stopped from using car parkings.
 

Gazmic

Well-Known Member
First Name
Steve
Joined
Apr 23, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
195
Reaction score
567
Location
WA
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
Occupation
Machinist
I really like the dark roof and pillars. Driver side grab handle on the A pillar? Yes please...
 

weasel1

Well-Known Member
First Name
Derek
Joined
Sep 14, 2019
Threads
8
Messages
566
Reaction score
725
Location
Pembroke, Ontario
Vehicle(s)
19 Ranger Lighting Blue FX4 w/302A
Occupation
Nuclear Operator
Kinda interesting in the cargo management thing they have going on.
 

Tracy Bowman

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tracy
Joined
Apr 11, 2019
Threads
25
Messages
5,159
Reaction score
26,201
Location
Alabama
Vehicle(s)
2013 Hyundai Accent, 2001 Ford F-150, 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 Saber Lariat
Looks good to me! :)
Sponsored

 
 



Top