For the Blue Oval, MS-RT represents M-Sport Road Technology, a collaboration between the company and M-Sport, a long-standing partner in the world of motorsport. M-Sport is currently responsible for the Ford Puma Rally1 and also prepares vehicles for Global Rallycross and GT3 racing. Essentially, the team at MS-RT takes the essence of M-Sport’s motorsports programs and injects it into regular road vehicles. They have already made modifications to previous models such as the Transit Custom, Transit Connect, and Ranger.
Now, this partnership is being renewed with the introduction of the all-new Transit Custom MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT. These models will be available through Ford Pro dealerships in Europe and the UK once production is completed at a new facility located on the Ford Dagenham Estate in the UK. This location is conveniently close to the Ford Dunton Campus, where the Ford Pro engineering team is based. Interested customers can already place orders for these new models from Ford Pro’s local retailers in Europe, with the first deliveries expected in the middle of the year.
Both the Transit Custom MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT are based on the latest versions of their respective models. They offer a combination of striking visual appeal and engineering enhancements, positioning them at the top of their model ranges. The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT features a race-inspired exterior design, exclusive interior specifications, and a wide range of powertrain options, including diesel, PHEV, and fully electric. Despite its sporty aesthetics, this van doesn’t compromise on practicality, offering up to 6.8 cubic meters of maximum load space and a maximum payload of 1,124 kg.
Among the powertrain options for the Transit Custom MS-RT, the electric E-Transit Custom MS-RT model stands out as the most powerful. It is equipped with a 285-ps (281 hp) electric motor. Alternatively, customers can choose a 232-ps (229 hp) plug-in hybrid or a 2.0-liter diesel engine with two power options: 170 ps (168 hp) with all-wheel drive or 150 ps (148 hp) with front-wheel drive. On the other hand, the Ranger MS-RT is designed to be the ultimate street truck, featuring muscular and motorsport-inspired styling.
Positioned as a premium pickup truck, the Ranger MS-RT is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 240 ps (237 hp), a ten-speed automatic transmission, and the company’s new e4WD full-time four-wheel drive system. The truck maintains its one-ton load capacity and has a towing rating of 3,500 kg. For the launch, the Transit Custom MS-RT model will come with aerodynamic enhancements, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a choice of colors such as Yellow, Green, and MS-RT Blue, complemented by gloss black accents and MS-RT Blue details.
The Ranger MS-RT takes inspiration from Ranger racing trucks in Asia and even features an exclusive ducktail spoiler in addition to the classic cab spoiler. Other notable details include MS-RT graphics, a honeycomb grille, 21-inch wheels with low-profile 275/45 R21 tires, flared wheel arches, unique suspension tuning, and stylish color options like Conquer Grey with Agate Black details.
According to Hans Schep, the general manager of Ford Pro Europe, the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck, contrasting the Ranger Raptor as the ultimate off-road truck. This vehicle presents a departure from the typical offerings in the European market segment, boasting car-like driving dynamics while maintaining its towing and carrying capacity. Ford believes that this unique combination will provide pickup customers with a captivating new choice.
According to the Source autoevolution.com