Last night I paid $1.95/gal for E10/87 at the Walmarts in Sapulpa. 

Eh, that’s a myth, a fairy story told to young executives to keep them in line. “Screw this up and we’ll have you working on the TC Wagon.”  

My recollection of the story was that they were using parts that were basically only there for show, not parts that would be used in an actual wagon version of the TC, and they were “recycled” back to Europe to be used again, but it’s entirely possible that I’m misremembering that. 

I will say if this is indeed the front end they're going with just toned down, I like it. If they end up using the ranchero name, it retains that muscle truck look.

True, but if it's around the height of a maverick, even with an angled bed side, it would presumably be lower than something like a ranger or f-150 bedside. 

I don’t think truck buyers will appreciate this design, not because it looks weird, but because it’s not user friendly. This design makes you climb up in the bed to get anything out vs simply leaning over the side to grab something.   Now, my assumption is that this truck isn’t for “traditional” truck buyers anyways so they may be more open to it.

You may be right

The 5 affordble products were near term including ICE/HEVs.  Sedans and 3 row EVs are future plans.

This looks cool! Strategically placed to give us a sneak peek, wheels are the same too.

The gray rendering could also be the one. Things like the sail pillar could be seen as a little cyber truck like, but they also call back to things like the ranchero and El Camino. A toned down version of that sail pillar, retaining the fender treatment, and this front end (because we haven't seen the lighting yet) but giving it a slightly longer hood would fit the ranchero name. It would kinda have that ute look without rocking the boat too much.    With how they seem to have pushed the rear of the cab back more, having an angled bed side like this would look less awkward that a perfectly flat bed side imo. Like it would be a more gradual transition going from the back of the cab to the tailgate, and would really sell that bold new sport truck look.