Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has revealed a limited-edition Ranger ahead of the second year of the Ranger Odyssey off-road challenge. Just like the vehicles the competitors will use for the event, customers will benefit from the added accessories needed for serious off-roading.
Based on the Ranger XL-Plus, the limited edition Odyssey Ranger is fitted with an accessories pack that includes a snorkel for deeper water crossings, a steel nudge bar up front, diff guard to protect the Ranger’s running gear, a rubberised load bed and black 17-inch alloy wheels. The XL-Plus specification means that the Ranger Odyssey boasts an stronger frame that allows for a 3 500 kg towing capacity, front drive shafts specifically designed to cope with muddy terrain and stone protection for the rear suspension.
“This year, the general public will get a chance to drive their own Odyssey Ranger. We’ve taken the toughest Ranger on offer – the XL-Plus, built to withstand punishing mining environments – and given it a Bushveld makeover,” says Gavin Golightly, marketing manager at FMCSA.
The Ranger Odyssey is powered by the Blue Oval’s locally manufactured 2,2-litre Duratorq engine that produces 110 kW at 3 700 r/min and 375 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min. The motor is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox with a locking rear differential and transfer case with low and high range all-wheel drive.
This year’s Ranger Odyssey competitors will experience the most testing terrain that Namibia has to offer over 12 days, 13 stages and 2 500 km. One team of two people will each win the opportunity to drive an Odyssey Ranger vehicle for a year, along with a R5 000 monthly fuel allowance.
The Ranger Odyssey costs R415 750 and comes standard with a four-year/120 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan.
