Automotive

Published on December 21st, 2015 | by Subhash Nair

0

The New Ford Ranger: Tough Done Quieter

In the world of modern pickup trucks, being a tough and capable work vehicle is the cost of entry. To stand apart from the crowd, a new truck has to combine the rugged performance customers need with the comfort, refinement and quietness they and their passengers want.

Engineers took a hard look at the previous Ranger – already among the most refined pickups on the market – and worked on solutions to improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) even further. “The new Ranger is a step up across all NVH metrics,” said Nick Lovadina, NVH supervisor for the new Ford Ranger.

Ranger_Tough Done Quieter_Image_2

The improvements are not just for bragging rights: Reduced cabin noise can help to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Some of the solutions implemented on the new Ranger include:

 Sound-deadening materials: Special materials, like a dense insulating felt under the hood on some models, help to reduce powertrain, wind and road noise, making for a quieter cabin

Ranger-8

 Engine management improvements: Updates to the engine management system help to improve diesel performance and efficiency. Precise injection timing and calibration means more efficient performance and less combustion crackle for less powertrain noise

 Smart aerodynamic design: Aerodynamics engineers added small aerodynamic “sails” on the wing mirrors to significantly reduce low-frequency throbbing noise created when driving with one front window open

 Hydro mounts: The new Ranger uses hydraulically damped engine mounts on some models to effectively combat engine vibrations. Filled with hydraulic fluid, these are particularly effective at reducing low-frequency vibrations created by diesel engines.

Ford-Ranger-6

“The hydro mount engine mounting system is not only an advantage for the key NVH metrics of idle, start-up and acceleration, but also helps to improve overall vehicle dynamics,” said Lovadina. “The customer ultimately has a truck that feels more refined than ever before.”

Ranger_Tough Done Quieter_Image_1

The efforts of Lovadina’s team resulted in a Ranger that is just 5 dB louder in the cabin at idle than a humming refrigerator, and just 5 dB louder at 80 km/h than rainfall.

“The combination of the refined powertrain and the improvements we’ve made through actions like sound deadening make for an extremely quiet, stress-free driving experience at highway speeds and in typical everyday city driving for all occupants,” said Lovadina.


About the Author

Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to Top ↑