CHICAGO, Feb. 10, 2000 - The Ford Ranger has had an edge on the competition for a long time, but today a new edgy evolution of the best-selling compact pickup - the 2001 Ford Ranger - debuts at the Chicago Auto Show.

Styling, powertrain performance enhancements and a new series - the Edge - headline changes to Ford Ranger for the 2001 model year.

Under the hood, a powerful 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 is now available, providing 45 more horsepower and 10 more foot-pounds of torque. The new engine is coupled with a new five-speed, adaptive shift, automatic transmission or a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission.

The new Edge series is geared to individuals with an active lifestyle who want the capability of the "Built Ford Tough" Ranger pickup along with a sportier, more rugged image.

"The 2001 Ranger is a winner in all aspects of the word - giving customers more of what they want - both in styling and performance," said Jim O'Connor, president of Ford Division. "Customers with active lifestyles seek a vehicle that features driving and performance versatility. We are responding to this demand by offering a Ranger that is tough, athletic and on the edge."

Chassis refinements, including revised front suspension tuning and a sound package, improve ride quality and increase interior quietness while the four wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) - now standard across the board - adds confidence to driving under all conditions.

The 2001 Ranger features Ford's Belt-Minder™ system, designed to remind occupants to buckle up. Also added are safety belt pretensioners, devices that tighten the front safety belt and help prevent belted occupants from sliding and bouncing around during a crash.

The Edge - Sporty and Youthful

Designed to appeal to buyers seeking a cool-looking truck with features to support their active work and leisure needs, Ranger's new Edge series features bold new styling. Key features include:

- Power dome hood
- Monochromatic exterior color treatment
- 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain - 4x2 drivetrain features same ride height as 4x4
- Standard 3.0-liter V-6 engine with manual transmission
- 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 with automatic transmission available
- Standard painted silver styled wheels; available 16-inch five spoke aluminum wheels and 245 OWL A/T tires
- Front tow hooks
- Optional bed extender
- Pickup box rail protectors
- Washable flooring
- CD radio standard and optional in-dash six disc CD changer available

XLT - Personality and Comfort

The Ranger XLT attracts the highest number of customers in the Ranger lineup. Ranger XLT continues to provide customers with interior and exterior features they want in a fun-to-drive vehicle. The XLT comes standard with a 60/40 cloth split bench seat, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, power mirrors and AM/FM stereo with single-CD player.