The Ford Ranger is gearing up for a thrilling challenge: the demanding Dakar Rally. Ford recently unveiled the competition truck, based on the Ranger pickup, that will tackle the grueling race next year. While the 2024 Dakar entry will sport the body of the previous-generation global Ranger, the plan is to transition to the all-new 2025 Ranger for the following year's competition.

Ford's Dakar Rally truck. (Ford)

This year, the U.S. market welcomes a completely redesigned Ranger, including a high-performance off-road Raptor variant. The Dakar Rally presents a formidable test, spanning two weeks and over 3,000 miles across the Saudi Arabian desert.

The custom-built chassis of the Dakar Ranger. (Ford)

Developed in partnership with M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport, this specialized racing truck is built to compete in the T1 class, aiming for the overall victory. It features a custom tube-frame chassis and a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

The Dakar Ranger's twin-turbo V6 engine. (Ford)

Equipped with a robust suspension system offering nearly 14 inches of wheel travel, the Ranger is engineered to handle high-speed jumps and challenging terrain.

The Ranger's suspension system allows for high-flying jumps. (Ford)

Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports global director, acknowledges the learning experience inherent in their first Dakar Rally, emphasizing that the endeavor is not solely about winning. He highlighted the value of racing to improve their products for customers.

A production-based 2024 Ranger victorious at the Finke Desert Race. (Ford)

Reinforcing this commitment, a production-based racing version of the 2024 Ranger, which previously completed the Baja 1000, recently triumphed in the Finke Desert Race in Australia. This win underscores the Ranger's off-road prowess and durability.

The Ford Mustang GT3, ready for Le Mans. (Ford)

The Dakar Rally initiative marks Ford's latest foray into international motorsport. The company is also set to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year with the Mustang GT3, further solidifying its presence in the world of competitive racing.