Robot Controls Ford Ranger Super Duty in Rough Terrain Testing
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Ford prepares to launch the Ranger Super Duty in 2026. This new addition to the Ranger family is set to redefine toughness, thanks to its rigorous speed tests and heavy-duty underpinnings.
The Ranger Super Duty made its New Zealand debut at Fieldays, but its true test began at Ford's You Yangs facility, where it faced the challenges of the Silver Creek speed test track. This man-made durability track, designed to resemble a dry creek bed, is home to 300 randomly placed bumps of different shapes and sizes. The Silver Creek speed test track is renowned as the toughest man-made durability track for the Ranger Super Duty, simulating a decade of driving on the world's harshest road conditions.
To ensure consistent and relentless testing, an autonomous robotic test driver was put behind the wheel. This robot driver subjected the Ranger Super Duty to over 2000 suspension movements during a single run on Silver Creek. The primary focus of the test was to assess the durability of engine mounts, body mounts, joints, and connectors in the Ranger Super Duty.
The Ranger Super Duty was tested at its maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4.5t, demonstrating its impressive strength. With a tow rating of 4.5 tonnes and a gross combined mass (GCM) of 8t, this vehicle is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Ford is marketing the Ranger Super Duty as the toughest Ranger yet, and its performance on the Silver Creek speed test track certainly supports this claim. The Ranger Super Duty is due for launch next year, and automotive enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
One intriguing aspect of the Ranger Super Duty's development remains a mystery: the identity of the company that developed the robot that sat at the wheel during the test drives. Regardless, the Ranger Super Duty's toughness and durability are undeniable, making it a formidable contender in the world of heavy-duty vehicles.
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