Diesel Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado Ready for 2012 Release

2012 Ford “Global” Ranger

This is Ford’s new mid-size pickup which will be available pretty much everywhere in the world except the US as MP has complained about inthe past.  It will be available in regular cab, extended cab, and quad cab versions with choices of a gasoline 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual, or 4 and 5-cylinder diesels with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.  Read it and weep at PickupTrucks.com: First Drive: 2012 Ford Ranger

2012 Chevy Colorado

The good news is that we will likely get the new Colorado within the next few years.  The bad news is that engine options for the US are still undisclosed.  MP is a big proponent of GM installing the upcoming 4-cylinder diesel set for the Chevy Cruze in the new mini ‘rado.  Bolt up a 6-speed manual or 6-speed (or more) automatic and that engine could be a decent performer in a little pickup, but we will wait and see.  Read more at PickupTrucks.com: Next Gen Chevy Colorado Gets Ready for World Debut

Source: PickupTrucks.com

US Will be Denied Next Generation “Global” Ford Ranger

Ford announced this week that the US will not get a version of the next generation Ranger compact pickup. Reaffirming our last post that domestic truck manufacturers effectively don’t believe there is demand for compact diesel pickups in the United States.

A real shame, as the Australian-developed ‘T6’ Ranger appeared to be a great package for stateside compact truck buyers. As reported by PickupTrucks.com back in May, the 2012 Ranger might’ve been powered by Ford’s 175 HP, 1.6 liter, direct injection, EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine.

On the up side, rumors are circulating that a mid-sized Ford F-100 pickup with a width similar to that of the current F-150, but with a significantly shorter wheelbase may become the current Ranger replacement.

Powertrain options galore may be speculated upon if the F-100 were to come to fruition. However, we feel it would be a shame if they didn’t offer at least one diesel option.

For further reading on the F-100, also check out these TruckTrend.com articles: Here

Via: All Cars All the Time and PickupTrucks.com
Rendering: F-100 by Mark Stehrenberger and Lifted from PickupTrucks.com