Update: Ford unveils revived Ranger pickup at Detroit auto show

Ford reintroduced its Ranger model to North America by releasing a collection of photos and facts about the midsize pickup truck early Sunday morning, Jan. 14.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker announced it would bring back both the Ranger and Bronco models to the U.S. market at last year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The release of the photos comes as the 2018 Detroit auto show kicks off this weekend. Ford was expected to hold a press conference Sunday afternoon.

Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, said at the 2017 auto show that both vehicles will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne. Ford stopped making the midsize Ranger pickup in North America in 2011.

"Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans," Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president of product development and purchasing, said in a news release.

"The all-new Ranger is designed for today's midsize truck buyer, delivering even more utility, capability and technology for those who blend city living with more off-the-grid adventures on weekends."

Ford has said production will begin later this year and that it will come equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, 10-speed auto transmission and high-strength steel frame backbone, and available in 2WD or 4WD. The 2019 Ford Ranger will come in XL, XLT and the Lariat trims, which will be available with chrome, sport or the FX Off-Road packages in either SuperCab or SuperCrew cab setups.

"Ranger's proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost provides a torquetarget on par with competing V6 engines,but with the efficiency of a four-cylinder," Thai-Tang said.

"When you pair that with its 10-speed transmission, you've got one of the most versatile, powerful and efficient powertrains in the segment."

The automaker says the new Ranger will come with the optional FX4 Off-Road package, which has a terrain management system to the F-150 Raptor's. This means the technology will send power or brakes to each wheel as needed so drivers can keep their eyes on steering while off-road driving.

Earlier in the week, Ford introduced its best-selling F-150 truck with an optional 3.0-liter diesel Power Stroke engine that will come with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg later this year.

The first-ever diesel engine offered for the F-150 comes as a 3.0-liter Powerstroke with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford reports that it is capable of 11,400 pounds of towing, a 2,020 payload, and making 250 horsepower and 440-pounds of torque. Per the estimated EPA fuel economy rating, Ford says the final figures will be released this spring.

Ford's auto show press conference is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14.

Before the 2018 NAIAS opens to the public from Jan. 20 to Jan. 28 at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit, automakers show off new models and make world debuts in scheduled press conferences.

Press preview days are scheduled for Jan. 14 to Jan. 16, which is when to check in with MLive for any breaking news or coverage of fresh reveals. Full coverage here.