It didn’t take the folks at Ford long to finally reveal their second-generation Ranger Raptor model following countless online teasers a few days ago.
Unlike the standard Ford Ranger models, the Raptor has been developed by Ford Performance and comes equipped with new tech as well as improved off-road capabilities.
The most notable change is the powertrain. The new Ranger Raptor does away with the 2.0-litre Bi-turbodiesel four-cylinder engine and now boasts a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 unit that packs 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a reprogrammed 10-speed automatic transmission that, according to Ford, delivers effortless acceleration on all kinds of terrain.
A first in a Ranger Raptor is the electronically-controlled active exhaust system that amplifies the engine note in four selectable drive modes; Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja.
Other than that, the new Raptor comes with seven drive modes instead of the current model’s six. Three for on-road and four for off-road; Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud and Baja.
Underneath, the new Ford Ranger Raptor features a unique chassis when compared to the normal Ranger, thanks to a series of unique mounts, reinforcements, rear shock brackets, completely redesigned suspension, shock tower as well as jounce bumper.
The reworked suspension makes use of lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers, long-travel front and rear suspension plus a refined Watt’s link rear end.
For the first time, the Ford Ranger Raptor is equipped with an advanced permanent four-wheel-drive system paired with an all-new electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case and front and rear locking differentials.
On the outside, the new Raptor features flared wheel arches, C-clamp headlights similar to those worn by regular Rangers, bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille plus a front bumper that is separated from the grille.
It comes fitted with Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling, 17” rims in two flavours wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.
The exterior is further fitted with functional vents, double exhaust tips, new design cast aluminium side steps, rear LED taillights, grey bumper with integrated step pad as well as a towbar.
Saddling inside, you are greeted by all-new jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear, Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats. There is a new premium grade leather sports steering wheel with thumb swells, an on-centre marking and cast magnesium paddle shifters.
On the connectivity front, the Raptor will boast a high-res 12.4” digital instrument cluster that is complemented by a 12” centre touchscreen with Ford’s new-gen SYNC 4Av connectivity. The system allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity with a Bang & Olufsen sound system has also thrown into the mix.
The new Ford Ranger Raptor is expected to arrive in South Africa following on the heels of the regular Ranger variants.
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