The next-generation Ford Ranger has been teased yet again, this time with a new camouflage wrap that offers somewhat of an optical illusion. The aim of these patterns is to confuse the eye and prevent industry spies from being able to focus on the vehicle’s features.
Designed by a team at Ford’s Design Centre in Melbourne, Australia, this camouflage pattern creates an optical illusion that makes it difficult to pick out exterior features in sunlight, while a reflective element helps hide the vehicle’s shape at night.
“We were asked to develop a camouflage that allowed you to clearly see that this is the new Ford Ranger but not see it at the same time,” said Leigh Cosentino, Design Manager at Ford Australia.
“The inspiration originally came from the Baja livery Ford has been using, as I’m a huge fan of motorsport it’s hard for me not to be obsessed with machinery like that,” added Lee Imrie, the Ford Australia designer who developed the successful pattern.
“So, we ended up with this design which is dense at the bottom and then the pattern becomes scattered towards the roof. It ends up being a good camouflage, is visually exciting but also gives the pattern a sense of movement. It’s not the usual static type of camouflage.
“There’s no line work on this camo that aligns with anything on the exterior and that means you can’t see volume or shape or lines in the vehicle,” added Lee Imrie. “My intention with this design was to scatter your eye so that you can’t focus on a specific line; and the colour patching adds to that effect.”
Brand engineers will be conducting final sign-off drives on next-generation Ford Ranger with the QR code designed to allow those who see it to engage and subscribe to a Next-Gen Ranger-specific email newsletter.
