Tuning bakkies seems to be the next craze, but there's a risk of losing warranties. Not to be outdone, Ford Performance has released a package for the Ranger.

Sadly, this is for the US-spec Ford Ranger EcoBoost, but with a bit of luck, Ford South Africa will get the hint that hotter bakkies are the real in-thing right now and release an SA-spec kit. Sadly, we don't even get this EcoBoost in our SA-built Ford Rangers, which is a shame as it would add additional appeal to the Ranger portfolio. Also, it would be an apt send off for this generation of Ranger, as the new model (co-developed with the new Volkswagen Amarok) is due for reveal in the next 2 years.

As for the performance kit, it comprises a power upgrade and improves the throttle response. There's also Ford Performance Pro Cal 4 calibration device and a high-flow air filter thrown in. The results are a 34 kW and 81 kW increase over the standard outputs of 201 kW and 420 Nm. The performance pack is claimed to be legal in 50 states and comes with a 3-year/36 000 mile warranty. What's interesting is once the upgrade is installed, you'll need to run the Ranger on premium grade fuel which is anything with octane in the 90s.

Further Reading

A Ford Ranger for Rangers

R1.4m Buys a Ford Ranger Overlander

APG Ranger has more clearance than a Raptor

Mustang power for Ranger Raptor

Ford Ranger Takes International Pick-Up Award Victory

Hennessey Ranger VelociRaptor Unleashed