Fresh Ford Transit Custom MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT Are Workhorses With Sporty Genes

For the Blue Oval, MS-RT is short for M-Sport Road Technology, a partnership between the company and M-Sport, one of its longtime collaborators in the field of motorsport – they are currently responsible for the Ford Puma Rally1 and also prepare vehicles for Global Rallycross and GT3 racing. Basically, MS-RT's team of specialists uses the DNA of M-Sport's motorsports programs and imbues it within normal road vehicles – the modifications have touched the previous generation Transit Custom, Transit Connect, and Ranger models.

Now, the partnership is renewed with the all-new Transit Custom MS-RT and Ranger MS-RT, which will be available through Ford Pro dealerships on the Old Continent and the UK after production is complete at a new location situated on the Ford Dagenham Estate in the UK, which is very close to the Ford Dunton Campus, the base of the Ford Pro engineering team. The new models are already up for order from Ford Pro's local retailers in Europe, and the first deliveries are scheduled sometime during the middle of the year.

Based on the all-new Transit Custom and Ranger, they both feature "bold visual appeal (combined) with engineering upgrades" and sit at the top of their respective model ranges. The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT has a "race-inspired exterior styling, exclusive interior specification," and the full range of powertrains – including diesel, PHEV, and fully electric. However, it doesn't forget that it's a work van, as it comes with up to 6.8 cubic meters of maximum load space and a max payload of 1,124 kg (2,478 pounds).

The electric E-Transit Custom MS-RT model is the most powerful of the bunch as it bundles a 285-ps (281 hp) electric motor, but customers can also choose a 232-ps (229 hp) plug-in hybrid or the 2.0-liter diesel with two power options – 170 ps (168 hp) with AWD or 150 ps (148 hp) with front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Ranger MS-RT is "designed to be the ultimate street truck, with muscular motorsport-inspired styling."

Envisioned as a premium pickup truck, the model boasts the 3.0-liter V6 diesel under the hood with 240 ps (237 hp), ten-speed automatic transmission, and the company's new e4WD full-time four-wheel drive system. The truck still comes with a one-ton load capacity as well as a 3,500-kg rating for towing. For the launch, the Transit Custom MS-RT model will have aerodynamic tweaks, 19-inch alloy wheels, and colors like Yellow, Green, and MS-RT Blue mixed with gloss black plus MS-RT Blue details.

The Ranger MS-RT is inspired by Ranger racing trucks from Asia and even comes with an exclusive ducktail spoiler alongside the classic cab spoiler. Additional fancy details include the MS-RT graphics, honeycomb grille, 21-inch wheels fitted with low-profile 275/45 R21 tires, flared wheel arches, unique suspension optimization, and cool shades like Conquer Grey with Agate Black details.

"If Ranger Raptor is the ultimate off-road truck, then the Ranger MS-RT is the ultimate street truck," said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe. "It's a departure from what we usually see in this segment in Europe, but with more car-like driving dynamics and the towing and carrying capacity unchanged, we believe it will offer a compelling new option for pickup customers."