ROUSH Rangers: Factory-backed attitude

By Martin Pretorius 

They prowl the streets and the N1's fast lane, bulldozing their way through traffic thanks to their combination of sheer size and menacing styling. And, judging by the proliferation of Ford Rangers with all manner of oversized wheels and plastic body cladding, modifying them has become quite a big business, adding to their visual menace and intimidating presence. Now you can have all the attitude you'd get in an aftermarket “Raptor kit” (and some more besides), along with available performance upgrades to make the go match the show, and without losing your warranty cover.

Stage 1: Keeping up appearances

The ROUSH Stage 1 (RS1) is essentially a cosmetic package, with a distinctive body kit, decals and new alloy wheels to set it apart from normal Rangers. The body kit comprises new bumpers front and rear, a different front grille, wheel-arch extensions, side steps and sports bar, a tonneau cover, and dual exhaust outlets to go with a new cat-back exhaust system.

All ROUSH Rangers also get 18-inch alloy wheels (shod with Pirelli Scorpion tyres on the demonstration vehicles), and a ROUSH tailgate trim panel, windscreen banner and bonnet wrap rounds off the menacing new look. Inside, the headrests are embroidered, and custom floor mats add some more distinction. Being purely appearance-driven, the RS1 package can be applied to any Ranger.

Stage 2: Adding some power

In addition to the RS1 appearance package, the Stage 2 (RS2) conversion ups the power output to “at least 170 kW*”, courtesy of an uprated intercooler and a Unichip installation with 5 selectable performance maps. The brakes also receive an upgrade to keep up with the increased urge.

The RS2 performance upgrades are only applicable to the 3.2-litre 5-cylinder Ranger, and comes with a Ford Protect Comprehensive Drivetrain Warranty for 3 years or 60 000 km.

Stage 3: The big daddy

Building on the RS2 trim level, the ROUSH Stage 3 (RS3) gets yet another power hike, thanks to an upgraded turbo, stainless-steel boost pipes and further software fettling. This increases power to “more than 190 kW*”, finally taking the Ranger into the heat of the bakkie power wars. The only major cosmetic change entails a full leather interior with ROUSH cabin decals.

The RS3 also gets uprated brakes in the form of a a set of slotted, ventilated Pedders brake rotors and pads, while the suspension benefits from Pedders Foam Cell TrakRider suspension. The aim was clearly to improve all performance aspects of the Ranger, and not just the engine – an admirable approach indeed. The Ford Protect Drivetrain warranty as featured on the RS2 also applies here.

But how does it drive?

After spending time with both RS2 and RS3 demonstration vehicles, the verdict is a bit of a mixed bag. While the RS2 has markedly sharper throttle response than the (mechanically stock) RS1, on-road performance improvements are harder to discern. To a large extent, the blame for this must be placed squarely on the Ranger's standard 6-speed automatic – unfortunately, the upgrades do not extend to new gearbox software, which would have benefitted greatly from quicker responses and less drivetrain slippage.

The RS3 also falls victim to the same laggy transmission, but the larger power increase does result in markedly improved performance, compared to both the RS1 and RS2. The biggest gains come from the re-worked suspension and braking system, however. The former results in much sharper handling and less body roll, but with very little penalty in terms of ride comfort. The brakes are also clearly more powerful than the standard item, and add a nice measure of security to the driving experience.

How much does it cost?

Very few good things come cheaply, and such is the case with the ROUSH Raptors as well. The RS1 adds R110 000 to the price of the base Ranger, the RS2 costs an additional R60 000 on top of the RS1's stiff pricetag, and the RS3 adds a total of R240 000 to the Ranger's base price.

Starting with a Ranger 3.2 Double Cab XLT at almost R545 000, that means that the cheapest (4x2) RS3 will set you back at least R785 000 – well into Amarok (4x4) V6 TDI territory. It's also open for debate as to whether the RS3 offers comparable on-road performance to that of the V6 Amarok, largely as a result of that dim-witted Ranger gearbox. The lower-priced RS1 and RS2 offer much better value, but that's also only relevant to buyer who appreciates chunky styling more than they enjoy actual performance. But, for those who want the ultimate Ranger or nothing, it's nice to know that there's an alternative to the (soon-to-be-introduced) Ranger Raptor. Let the Battle of the Butch Bakkies commence!

*Claimed figures from Ford Performance Centre