Here’s something we didn’t expect – the Ford Ranger MS-RT, a motorsport-inspired pick-up truck previously reserved for Europe, is making its way to Thailand. This perhaps shouldn’t be all that surprising, given that the bodykit was inspired by race trucks competing in Asian series such as Thailand Super Pickup, but it’s an interesting development all the same.
The MS-RT has some genuine rally pedigree behind it, as it was developed by Ford’s World Rally Championship (WRC) team M-Sport. On the outside, the modifications consist of a deep front air dam with a trapezoidal air intake, a honeycomb mesh grille and an integrated splitter, along with integrated fender flares (incorporating front vents leading into the sculpted side skirts) that widen the truck some 82 mm.
Also fitted are a roof and ducktail tailgate spoiler and a massive rear diffuser; the addition of the bodykit does mean the truck’s distinctive bed side steps have been deleted. Interestingly, Ford’s Super Pickup Ranger racer has adopted the MS-RT bodykit, so the inspiration for the truck has come full circle.
These changes are accompanied by the largest wheels ever to be offered on a Ranger – intricate 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels – as well as an 80 mm wider track, power-retractable side steps and an MS-RT-branded fuel filler cap.
Inside, the MS-RT gets heavily-bolstered front bucket seats with eight-way power-adjustment and a sculpted sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o’clock marker. The black and blue theme is carried into the faux leather and suede upholstery with blue stitching and a plenty of MS-RT branding on the steering wheel, dashboard, seats and carpets.
Under the skin you’ll find revised suspension that consists of firmer front dampers and a retuned rear setup. Overall, the MS-RT has been slammed to the ground some 40 mm, which not only gives the truck a hunkered-down track-ready look but also delivers more precise and stable handling.
As befits its sporty bent, the MS-RT is only available with the Ranger’s most powerful engine – a 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel that produces 240 PS and 600 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic gearbox and an electronic four-wheel-drive system. Unlike the similarly performance-oriented Raptor, the MS-RT retains the Ranger’s one-tonne payload and 3,500 kg towing capacity.
Official Thai-market information has not been provided as yet, but Headlight Magazine has released a kit list ahead of its launch at the Thai Motor Expo next month. This includes matrix LED headlights, LED front fog lights, keyless entry, remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ambient lighting, a 12.4-inch digital instrument display, a 12-inch portrait touchscreen running on SYNC 4A infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Qi wireless charger and six speakers.
The MS-RT also reportedly gains the full complement of driver assists, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and reverse AEB. Seven airbags and stability control are also fitted.
According to Headlight Magazine, the Ranger MS-RT will be priced at 1,749,000 baht (RM225,400) which, while slightly less expensive than the Raptor in Thailand, is still a substantial amount to be paying for a pick-up truck. It remains to be seen if this race-style truck will be sold in Malaysia, but if it is, would you get it at this price? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.