Ford to compete at 2014 Dakar with two Rangers

Prepared by Neil Woolridge Motorsport

Ford has confirmed plans to participate at 2014 Dakar Rally with two South African-built Rangers prepared by Neil Woolridge Motorsport.

The extremely difficult Dakar Rally will take place in South America from January 5-18 where Ford will use two T6 Ranger 4x4 Double Cab vehicles powered by a V8 5.0-liter engine developing 349 bhp (260 kW) at 4,500 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) at 4,100 rpm.

The thirsty vehicle drinks 90 liters / 100 km in sandy racing conditions and 28 liters / 100 km during normal driving. It has a full composite body and a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox linked to a permanent four-wheel drive setup. These custom Rangers benefit from an independent front/rear suspension, front/rear antiroll bar and ride on 16-inch Evocorse wheels shod in 245/85 Michelin tires.

Stopping power is provided by Brembo with their front air-cooled and rear water-cooled brakes. The 2014 Ford Ranger for Dakar weighs 1,975 kg (4,354 lbs) and should be able to reach a top speed of 106 mph (170 km/h).

The first driver crew will include Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue, while in the second car will be Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst. The 35^th edition of the rally will start in Rosario, Argentina and end in Valparaiso, Chile after more than 5,282 miles (8,500 km) across 13 stages.

Source: Ford