Ford Racing confirmed this week that it will be entering two Ranger pickups in the Dakar Rally next year.
The trucks are based on the Ford Ranger, which is not sold in the U.S., and powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 found in the F-150 and the latest Mustang.
"We are extremely proud to be sending these South African-built Rangers to the 2014 Dakar," said Jeff Nemeth President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa in a press statement. "Dakar is the ultimate test of man and machine and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate with a phenomenal team comprised of local and global expertise."
Production Rangers also come with a four-cylinder gas engine or four/five-cylinder turbodiesel options according to the automaker.
Ford has hired engineers from all-over the world to contribute to production. The vehicles will be built by a team from South Africa according to Ford.
Some of the modifications Ford has listed include a composite body, water-cooled Brembo brakes, and Magneti Marelli engine management system according to Ford.
The Ranger was introduced by Ford back in 2011, but the automaker said it would be too close in price, fuel economy, and size to the F-150 model.
Ford says its Ranger truck can achieve a top speed of 105 mph.
The 2014 race will start in Rosario Argentina on January 5 and will finish in Valparaiso, Chile on January 18.
"The Dakar is a truly international showcase of Off Road machinery. Last year 745 competitors participated, representing 53 nationalities. We are pleased to have put together a global team that represents exceptional knowledge of the event as well as the Ford Ranger, which is built at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Silverton" said Dave Schoch Group Vice President and President, Asia Pacific in a press statement.
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