Built to perform
Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission which were purpose built to give you the performance and reliability you want, and the efficiency you need.
WHEN it comes to pickup trucks, power and durability used to be everything.
Now, though, fleet buyers and touring four-wheel drivers are looking for a combination of power, durability and, more importantly, fuel efficiency.
Enter Ford's 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel fourcylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission which were purpose built to give you the performance and reliability you want, and the efficiency you need.
The bi-turbo engine features two turbochargers, one small and one larger.
The two turbochargers work in series at lower engine speeds for enhanced torque and responsiveness.
At higher engine speeds, the smaller turbo is bypassed, and the larger turbo provides boost to deliver high power.
Ford's bi-turbo diesel made its debut on the desert racing Ranger Raptor in 2017 and immediately stood out as the most powerful engine ever in a Ford Ranger.
The bi-turbo engine makes 157kW (210hp) and a strong 500Nm of torque from a low 1750rpm and is available in Ranger Raptor.
Power is important, of course, but so is durability and the bi-turbo engine was designed from day one to handle some of the most challenging and stressful applications.
During durability testing, Ford engineers subjected the bi-turbo engine to a staggering 5.5 million kilometers – the equivalent of driving from the earth to the moon 14 times – of punishing abuse.
The engine was also subjected to comprehensive analysis in laboratories and at Ford proving grounds around the world, with computer-aided engineering (CAE) evaluations conducted at every stage of development.
One example of the rigorous testing regime included running a thermal cycle which meant heating both turbos to the point of glowing red for 200 hours non-stop.
Running hotter than any owner will ever achieve, the bi-turbo engine's high-grade alloy (the same material used in rocket engines) turbo housings and exhaust manifold have been designed to operate efficiently up to 860oC.
The turbo bearings and larger low-pressure turbo are water cooled to reduce temperature and protect the air induction components.
So, why did Ford choose a bi-turbo arrangement?
Simple.
By having two different sized turbos working in series, boost pressures created are multiplied, delivering both the low and highspeed performance while also creating the efficiency and refinement Ford wanted.
The bi-turbo application also allowed for the downsizing of the engine without sacrificing performance.
From the start, Ford's bi-turbo engine was developed to work in conjunction with its inhouse designed and developed 10-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.
And it was tested to extremes, just like its bi-turbo engine partner, accumulating more than 6 million kilometres of durability testing, more than 800 CAE models to ensure strength and durability, as well as being subjected to numerous dynamometer and rig tests.
The electronic control program developed for this transmission features real-time adaptive shift scheduling algorithms which helps ensure you're always in the right gear at the right time; it also includes skip shift and direct shift capability.
The close ratio 10-speed transmission ensures a steady pouring on of power with minimal letup between gear shifts, which makes for smooth and easy acceleration whether you're on the highway, climbing hills or towing.
The smaller gaps between ratios, compared with a six speed automatic, allow for improved performance at reduced rpm when towing on hills.
The design, development and testing work that went into Ford's powerful and efficient bi turbo engine and clever 10-speed automatic transmission ensure Ranger Raptor four-wheel-drive offer a flexible and comfortable drive whether you're on- or offroad, towing a trailer or just driving around town.
As impressive as the performance of the bi-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission is, it's the fuel efficiency of this powertrain that will delight owners.
Depending on the variant, combined fuel consumption can be as low as 6.9L/100km, meaning owners are getting a strong, durable engine that's also gentle on your wallet.