Ford’s Ranger MS-RT: The Ultimate Street Truck for Europe
The Ford Ranger is a cool truck. It is known for being tough and practical. The Ford Ranger is good for use and it can also handle rough jobs. In parts of the world the Ford Ranger is sold with different features and engines. Some of these features are not available in the United States, which’s too bad for people who like trucks.
The Ford Ranger MS-RT is a version of the truck. It was made with help from people who work in car racing. The Ford Ranger MS-RT is not like trucks. It is made for driving on roads not for driving off-road. It has a suspension and it handles really well. The Ford Ranger MS-RT looks like a car that is made for racing. It is still a practical truck.
What is really cool about the Ford Ranger MS-RT is how all of its parts work together. Nothing about the truck seems out of place. All of the changes that were made to the truck like the suspension and interior make sense. The Ford Ranger MS-RT looks tough. It does not look silly. It is also faster than trucks but it is still useful for everyday things. For people, in the United States the Ford Ranger MS-RT is a truck that they wish they could buy which makes it more interesting. The Ford Ranger MS-RT is an unique truck that people like to talk about.
1. A Ranger for Motorsport Lovers
The Ford Ranger MS-RT is so much more than just a cosmetic appearance kit meant to turn heads in the showroom. The Ranger is backed by the legendary motorsport partner, M-Sport, who have worked in close partnership with Ford on rally cars for decades and instantly give this Ford a more performance-oriented and authentic identity. This Ford is designed with real driving goals rather than with cosmetics in mind.
Motorsport Identity and Street Truck Persona:
- M-Sport-developed Engineering input
- Aggressively Designed Factory Body Kit
- Wider Fenders Add Visual Substance
- Optimized for Road Driving Dynamics
- Unique Street-focused Pickup Design
The aggressive looks are influenced greatly by the motorsport background; widened fenders and sharp bodylines make this pickup have a truly commanding street stance that most aftermarket trucks could never achieve. Unlike those builds, this Ranger is visually cohesive and looks like it was engineer at the factory. The styling cues throughout seem to blend the performance aspect with streetability while adding an aggressive flair. This means that not only does this Ranger looks imposing, it’s a completely different feel when put up against standard Rangers.
Also, unlike most modern pickups, Ford chose to develop this Ranger with on-road driving dynamics in mind, and not off-road prowess. While typical pickup truck styles are designed to have a jacked-up suspension and rugged appearance, this truck instead is built to focus on handling, stability, and a lower center of gravity. This is exactly what gives this street-focused truck its unique Ranger personality making it one of the most distinctive Rangers ever released by Ford.
2. An Exterior that Demands Attention
This Ranger MS-RT shows off its street-focused performance abilities from first glance. The body panels stick out more than three inches further on each side compared to the stock Ranger adding an impressive and wide stance to the entire truck. It is undeniable that this particular Ranger has the boldest and most aggressive looks of any production Ford Ranger ever.
Body Kit and Aerodynamic Design:
- Widebody Increases Road Presence
- Matte Black Honeycomb Grille
- Lowered Suspension and Stance
- Performance Inspired Body Kit
- Integrated Rear Spoilers
The bold appearance comes from a heavily sculpted front fascia complete with a matte black honeycomb grille, aggressive bumper intakes, and a sculpted front splitter. This styling cues from sports cars more so than the rugged truck appearance we usually see. This truck looks incredibly low to the ground which also helps with its performance oriented looks and handling.
There are aggressive styling parts on the back as well. A ducktail spoiler is built into the tailgate and works with the cabin-mounted spoiler and rear diffuser to give the truck a very capable and well-engineered appearance; this truck will always be a work of art with these bold exterior modifications.
3. Massive 21-Inch Wheels and a Road-Going Stance
Another one of the main focal points on the Ranger MS-RT’s aggressive look is the truly massive set of wheels. Ford has made this the first production Ranger ever to receive the enormous 21-inch wheels making it have the most aggressive street look of any Ranger available, but still the truck has what appears to be one of the most coherent aftermarket appearances from a factory product.
Performance Tires and Lowered Stance:
- Largest 21-inch factory-equipped wheels on any Ranger model
- Low-profile, street-tuned performance tires
- Widebody complements the huge wheel package
- Lowered ride height further emphasizes road stance
- Specifically engineered for on-road driving dynamics
Wrapped with a set of Continental low profile tires, this truck has all the road-going capability it can have with the largest factory size wheels ever placed on a Ranger model and the truck seems to compliment these behemoth sized wheels well enough. The widebody nature of the MS-RT gives this truck the correct width so the wheel size doesn’t make the truck look a bit awkward.
Low suspension is also installed in order to give the MS-RT that desired sport truck look. The lowered ride height works perfectly with the larger tires to make the truck sit firmly on the road and also gives it a rather substantial stance, unlike a stock Ranger. This Ranger has all the components of a performance focused truck rather than just being some lifted truck that only wants to conquer off-road trails.
4. Suspension Tuned For the Road
Beyond its bold styling cues, this truck has received a truly substantial suspension redesign for its on-road performance benefits. With a ride height roughly 1.6 inches lower than stock the MS-RT instantly boasts a lower center of gravity and a far more poised driving feel for high speed driving and cornering.
Upgraded Suspension:
- Lower ride height for stability and handling
- Widened track to improve cornering balance
- Firmer, re-tuned dampers for sharper responses
- Significantly reduced body roll during cornering
- Dedicated street-driving suspension tuning
The wider track that it gains with the widened fenders is another feature that adds stability and confidence to the MS-RT during performance driving situations. It now has sharper steering response due to its firmer front dampers and new rear suspension components making this truck a delight on twisty roads while the ride is still remarkably civil for day-to-day use. This truck’s suspension completely redefines the driving experience you get behind the wheel of a stock Ranger as they simply do not have the tight-handling, performance oriented feel this Ford MS-RT has to offer.
5. Turbo Diesel Power Delivering High Torque
Underneath the massive and imposing exterior of the Ranger MS-RT is Ford’s tried and tested 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, while this engine might not have the highest horsepower of some gasoline powered trucks, the large amount of torque makes this vehicle a whole different beast in terms of streetability and everyday power output. Producing 443 pound-feet of torque, the engine gives effortless acceleration while at the same time feeling remarkably refined.
Engine and Drivetrain:
- Powerful 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
- Huge torque figures offer relentless power delivery
- Smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission
- Always-on four-wheel-drive system for confidence
- Refined yet sporty drivability
This power is transmitted to all four wheels through a silky-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. With the new four-wheel drive system, traction is never an issue with this Ranger whether it is rain, sun, or snow out. The transmission seems to keep this vehicle in its best possible gear whether you are driving normally or with spirit which further increases the truck’s street friendly driving dynamics.
While some might assume that such a vehicle would get the supercharged EcoBoost V6 from the Ford Ranger Raptor, the torque from the diesel engine really adds to the feel and driving dynamics that Ford was aiming for with this truck and this truck truly offers a different, yet still engaging, experience compared to that.
6. The Practicality Remains True as Well
The MS-RT, despite its appearance, is a truly practical and capable pickup truck. Ford managed to keep its payload and towing numbers where they need to be, proving that high-performance modifications don’t need to hurt every day usability and that you can have a fun to drive pickup that still does pickup truck things. This gives it a lot of flexibility compared to a lot of street truck builds that are all show and no go.
Utility and Everyday Functionality:
- Capability for towing: Remains strong
- Ability to carry heavy loads: High
- Real world versatility: Intact
- Performance paired with everyday use: Excellent blend
- Built for all day use: Practical as well as exciting
The truck boasts the ability to tow over 7,700lbs while carrying more than 2,200lbs in its bed; these stats are still well within the range that its competitors’ midsize trucks offer. Ford has managed to maintain the great practicality we know and love from the Ranger, while increasing its on-road manners and capabilities by engineering the chassis further for performance driving. This still offers owners great utility, be it hauling gear to a job, to pulling a trailer to a destination, all while not sacrificing any ability.
That performance, the road focused ability paired with the rugged and ruggedness is part of what’s so appealing about the MS-RT, and there really aren’t a lot of other pickups that can compete with it due to a focus on road performance versus a lift, aggressive styling, and the typical pickup’s on-road mannerisms. However, because of the tight restrictions on the production of the truck and Ford’s focus on a very limited market, many owners and enthusiasts in America have had to try and replicate the MS-RT’s street truck experience with their own custom builds.
7. Cabin to Match the Exterior
Inside of the cabin, the Ford Ranger MS-RT also receives some notable modifications to match the bold and aggressive exterior appearance. A big change up inside is the highly bolstered sport seats which are made of an eco-leather and suede material, adding a great touch of luxury while increasing grip during hard driving. The whole interior really mirrors the exterior’s aggressive nature quite well.
Interior to Match its Aggressive Personality:
- Bolstered sport seats
- Suede and eco-leather material
- All of the interior accents match the truck’s sporty nature
- Large infotainment system
- Driver assist technologies
Blue accents for the stitch work as well as MS-RT badging are sprinkled throughout the interior for a subtle sport touch without the interior seeming over the top or excessively aggressive. The new steering wheel also really helps with driver feel. Every part of the interior contributes to the road performance that the truck is focused on.
Even with the new features, the truck’s tech still takes the forefront. Its 12-inch infotainment screen houses all of the truck’s media, navigation, and vehicle functions through a modern user interface, and the inclusion of adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, and parking sensors, and more help ensure its usefulness as an every day vehicle.
8. The Reason for Exclusivity
This Ford Ranger MS-RT is exclusive in the fact that only the European market receives the factory built truck. Ford produced it specifically for the market, making it more unique and rare for everyone outside of it. Enthusiasts around the world have to admire this Ranger on their computer screens since they can’t drive down to their local dealer and purchase one on their own, adding to the truck’s special feeling to truck fans everywhere.
Exclusive for European Market and Unique Market Position:
- Designed solely for European buyers
- A rare example of a factory built street truck
- Performance focused trucks for enthusiasts everywhere
- Contrasting off-road focused pickup truck market
- Popular choice with international enthusiasts
The exclusivity further enhances its desirability among people that wish they could obtain one for themselves. American enthusiasts often find themselves admiring the trucks online, with their factory designed road performance package and motorsport influences already proving a hard act to follow in America.
The idea of a truck built with Ford and M-Sport factory engineering with a sport truck demeanor alone gives it a niche that is currently missing in the market today with very few direct competitors. While the truck is an amazing offering to its European buyers, the same truck that owners can’t seem to buy appears to be exactly what American truck lovers have been waiting for in today’s market with the growing demand for sport truck setups.
9. Customization Options of the Truck
With no options to actually purchase this MS-RT at any official dealer, people are beginning to build their own road oriented trucks based on its styling cues and performance oriented philosophy. Suspension specialists are beginning to offer tuning kits that give people a lower more road responsive ride as well as handling modifications and the Ford Ranger platform has definitely attracted modification by Ford to increase road feel through chassis enhancements.
Creating Custom Ford Rangers with a Sport Truck feel:
- Offering of lowering kits
- Performance dampers and chassis tuning
- More road responsive and dynamic truck
- A canvas for custom truck building
- Developing a growing market for sport trucks
Through modifications from aftermarket specialists, consumers are capable of creating a Ford Ranger MS-RT of their own to suit their every need. By lowering the center of gravity, it gives owners the control and confidence to maneuver the truck through city streets and winding roads alike without feeling a substantial body roll, giving its driver the experience of something completely new in the truck market, especially when they start getting into other components such as high performance suspension parts.
10. A Street Truck That Redefines The Modern Ranger
The Ford Ranger MS-RT is a brave and exciting rethinking of what a midsize pickup truck could be; moving away from aggressive lifting of the suspension and off road focused styling, the Ford Ranger MS-RT builds upon its already excellent platform and makes it even better and more refined with its bold and stylish aerodynamic modifications and superior on-road handling. This sets it apart from anything else in its class.
A Motorsport-Inspired Philosophy for a Street Truck:
- Redesigned suspension to improve road capabilities
- Wider body to add a sporty look
- Tuned chassis for improved performance
- Smart combination of style and utility
- Influences from racing taken directly from motorsport
Each component of the Ford Ranger MS-RT has been meticulously engineered in order to provide a fun and practical vehicle all around. Its wider body kit adds to the already aggressive exterior while a lowered suspension setup and revised chassis tuning contribute to the truck’s remarkable on road performance. It truly represents a breakthrough for pickups in offering both performance road car driving feel as well as true pickup truck utility. The ability to acquire this particular Ranger however remains out of reach for many enthusiasts, yet its influence continues to grow even so as owners build their own unique Ranger MS-RT’s while trying to emulate this Ford exclusive pickup truck.
