A South African design studio, Ulterio Motiv, has moved from concept to production on a Ford Ranger variant that carries an extended wheelbase and a third axle. This unusual setup aims to expand practical capability beyond what a standard pickup can offer, and industry watchers describe the project as a notable indicator of renewed interest in off-road versatility. The information about the development has circulated through industry outlets, with observers noting the attention the project has drawn from enthusiasts and fleet operators alike. Ulterio Motiv’s approach centers on creating a platform that can shoulder heavier loads while maintaining reliability in demanding conditions, a factor that resonates with markets that rely on rugged, work-ready pickups. While the concept remains in the early stages, the implications for how pickups can be configured for heavy-duty use are being discussed among professionals who cover the global truck scene. The shift signals a broader curiosity about how extended chassis configurations might redefine payload limits and service life in extreme environments.
The project is listed at around 14,500 dollars, a price point that reflects savings achieved by not making the third axle a driven axle. Production economics are influenced by this choice, while tuners equip the remaining wheels on the added axle with extra braking mechanisms to ensure controlled stopping and stability. The setup is described as enabling better modulation under heavy loads and at high angles, where braking performance becomes critical. Industry commentary points to the idea that the third axis, if not driven, can reduce wear on the main drivetrain while still delivering extended traction for off-road tasks. The overall package is portrayed as an attempt to blend utility with cost efficiency, appealing to operators who demand durability without a steep price tag.
Ulterio Motiv argues the added axle raises payload capacity by a meaningful margin and eases stress on the vehicle’s underbody and coating. The makers claim the pickup could handle as much as 4.5 tons of cargo, a dramatic contrast to a standard Ford Ranger, which typically carries about 840 kilograms. Such numbers, if realized in production, would shift expectations for light-duty pickups designed to work in challenging environments. Experts caution that real-world performance depends on integration, weight distribution, and regulatory compliance in different markets. Still, the concept underscores a growing interest in extending the practical envelope of midsize trucks to support heavier workloads while maintaining assurance in on-road and off-road handling.
Earlier in Moscow, the first example of the 2024 BMW M5 entered the market at a price near 30 million rubles. The next generation four-wheel-drive sedan is reported to be powered by a 727-horsepower engine and a 4.4-liter displacement, paired with an automatic transmission. The high-performance model continues to reinforce the appeal of premium sporty sedans in Russia, with buyers drawn to a balance of speed, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Market observers note the AWD configuration of such cars in this region remains a subject of interest as manufacturers adapt architectures for local road conditions and climate.
Additionally, it was reported which all-wheel drive system Jaecoo J5 uses in Russia, a detail that highlights how automakers tailor drive layouts to regional terrain and regulatory expectations. The broader takeaway is that the Russian market, like others, remains a testing ground for various AWD technologies, influencing decisions by buyers and importers across neighboring markets. The evolving landscape shows a demand for vehicles capable of tackling snow, slush, and rough terrain, prompting manufacturers to adjust systems and tuning accordingly. As more models appear on the scene, observers expect continued experimentation with drivetrains, weight distribution, and suspension tuning to unlock improved performance under diverse conditions.