Ford Ranger Super Duty drip-feed continues

FORD Australia has released another teaser image of its forthcoming Ranger Super Duty, this time showing an eight-stud wheel hub the importer says is key to its increase towing (4500kg), GVM (4500kg) and GCM (8000kg) figures.

The image also indicates an 18-inch wheel diameter and 33-inch all-terrain tyre option, indicating the rear axle is likely sourced from the North American F-250 Super Duty.

Ford has yet to outline any associated chassis and suspension changes, or to advise powertrain options for the Ranger Super Duty.

“The eight-stud configuration offers a significant advantage in terms of load capacity and ensures an even distribution of weight across the wheel,” said Ford Australia Ranger Super Duty engineering program supervisor Drew O’Shannassy.

“This is important for a vehicle like Ranger Super Duty which will be expected to frequently carry and tow heavy loads.

“The wheel and tyre we’ve selected provide a great combination of strength, grip and reliability that our hard-working customers need. Our testing is pushing this vehicle to the limit so that customers can be confident in its capability.”

The Australian arm of the US manufacturer claims the Ranger Super Duty will deliver next-level, work-ready capability to serve customers wanting a tougher option, born out of collaboration with fleet customers, with development for global markets led by a 1500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists based Down Under.

While limited details have been revealed, Ford Australia has confirmed the Super Duty will still be a mid-size ute but with credentials that put it closer to a light-duty truck.

The announcement outlines a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg (right on the limit for a standard car licence), maximum braked towing capacity of 4500kg, and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 8000kg.

To put those numbers into perspective, and while Ford is yet to confirm payload, the current Ranger (and just about every dual-cab ute on the market) offers a towing capacity of 3500kg, a GVM of between 3000-3350kg, and GCM tops out at 6400kg.

A kerb weight of between 2000-2400kg leaves most dual-cab utes with a payload of around a tonne – plenty for the average weekend warrior but short on what a serious adventurer or fleet operator might need.

While the various 1500-class pickups on the market – such as the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado – do offer a 4500kg towing capacity, their payload hovers around 700kg.

The GVM of a 1500-class ute is around 3500kg and the GCM around 7500kg, which also puts them behind the figures Ford has revealed for its heavier-hitting Ranger.

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is not expected to be revealed until the second half of 2025 with sales tipped to commence in early 2026.