NWM’s New Evo Plus Rally-Raid Contender Is the Ford Ranger Bakkie to Have

Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) has unveiled the Evo Plus, a new rally-raid contender built for the FIA’s Ultimate class with a fresh design focused on handling, strength, and versatility.

Image: NWM

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First things first, while it may retain some of the styling hallmarks of the Ranger bakkie you can find at your local Ford dealership, this is a significantly different machine. At first glance, the Evo Plus might not seem radically different, but under the carbon-fibre bodywork lies a new, narrower chassis paired with a widened 2.3-metre track. This configuration, made possible by longer control arms and revised BOS suspension mounting points, gives the Evo Plus significantly improved performance over its predecessor, especially in technical and high-speed rally environments.

Evo Plus

Image: NWM

Key to the Evo Plus’s capability is its suspension overhaul. The team redesigned the control arm mounting geometry to optimise anti-dive and anti-squat properties, making the car more stable under braking and acceleration. Testing already covers over 2 000 km, with team engineers confident in the car’s flexibility across terrains—even without the optional anti-roll bar system installed.

Another major step forward comes from the use of SADEV’s new SP08 differentials. These compact units feature epicyclic gear systems that distribute load more evenly, reducing drivetrain stress under hard acceleration, particularly valuable when dealing with the torque loads from 37-inch rally tyres. With integrated oil cooling, external locking and adjustable preload, the SP08 is both more robust and easier to maintain than the outgoing units.

Related: INGCO – VIP Rally Raid Experience

Power comes from a proven 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, mated to a SADEV SC924 Evo gearbox. Both sit further back in the chassis than before, improving weight balance. For teams with different needs, a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 is also available which NWM says is ideal for regional championships where simplicity and ease of maintenance take priority.

Inside, the cabin is redesigned with ergonomics and visibility in mind. The dashboard is lower for improved sightlines, and controls have been repositioned for better access. The layout accommodates rotary controls for fuel maps, speed limiters, and anti-lag settings, while a full suite of Motec electronics handles data and system management. The pedal box, steering column, and driver display are fully adjustable. Proven hardware like Brembo brakes, a 495-litre ATL fuel bladder, and BOS hydraulic jacks round out the build.

NWM

Image: NWM

The Evo Plus will debut at the South African Safari Rally, round three of the World Rally-Raid Championship, later this month. NWM’s lineup includes Brazilian driver Marcos Baumgart and 2023 South African champion Gareth Woolridge—both eager to test the new car in competition. Said to be competitively priced, the model would likely cost in the region of R15 million – R20 million, depending on the specification.

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The post NWM’s New Evo Plus Rally-Raid Contender Is the Ford Ranger Bakkie to Have appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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