Take a bunch of performance junkies to the Namibian desert, add in a 292kW V6 Turbo Ranger Raptor and you have a recipe for the most epic time. So much fun is now let loose locally with Ford Mzansi making the "segment dominating" Raptor available to Mzansi buyers.
In a market where the Raptor has no rivals, you would think the previous generation Raptor didn't need to be engineered further but now the new Ranger Raptor from Ford Performance has taken it to new levels and making potential rivals climb Mount Everest in engineering terms.
The new Raptor retains the flared wheel arches as seen on the previous generation Raptor with the front getting the C-clamp LED headlights with Matrix technology. The LED Daytime lights also follow the same C-clamp design for that dominating "get out of my way" look on the road with LED Fog lamps placed on the lower part of the bumper. If that doesn't scare mere mortals on the road with presence, the bold FORD lettering on the grille certainly will. The bumper is designed to be separate from the grille whilst the lower front engine protection guard is finished in contrasting matte silver.
The lighting technology includes dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling to deliver safer lighting for Ranger Raptor drivers as well as oncoming traffic. The flared fenders accommodate 17-inch wheel designs wrapped in BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO2® tyres. Functional vents, aero features, and tough, new-design cast aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. The Raptor is a strict double cab with a load bay big enough to load a Euro pallet.
At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features a standard towbari that can be removed to aid the truck’s departure angle. To hammer the point home, there is also a Ranger embossed writing on the tailgate with Raptor decals on the top right. Twin exhaust exit either side of the rear step hinting at a new kind of performance in this segment.....more of that later.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasize the off-road performance and high-energy nature of the exterior. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats – both in the front and rear – that are not only more comfortable but more supportive during high-speed cornering. The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are enhanced by Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium grade leather sports steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast magnesium paddle shifters completes the picture.
Ranger Raptor boasts a fully digital cabin, with high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen boasting Ford’s new-generation SYNC® 4Av connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity.
A Bang & Olufsen®vi sound system provides the soundtrack to your next adventure.
The 12.4-inch digital cluster can be configured to show the driver varying driving information for either off road or on road driving
Current owners who felt the highly capable Raptor needed more power have had their prayers answered in the most emphatic way with Ford Performance dropping a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 292kW and 583Nm tuned in house. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. In addition, Ford Performance has installed an electronically controlled active exhaust system that amplifies the engine note in four selectable drive modes (Quiet, Normal, Sport and Bajaii), the Ranger Raptor’s vocal character ranges from mild to wild.
The engine is mated to a Raptor unique 10-speed automatic transmission – each gear programmed with its own boost profile – Ranger Raptor’s new engine delivers effortless acceleration on gravel, dirt, mud and sand. For the first time, Ranger Raptor gets an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials, a feature that hardcore off-roaders will appreciate.
Helping next-gen Ranger Raptor handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts and everything in between are up to seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road oriented ‘Baja’ mode for extreme high-speed off-roading. In ‘Baja’ modeii electronic systems are configured for ultimate performance.
Each selectable drive modeii adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, throttle response and even the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen. And depending on the mode, the colour scheme of the digital displays changes to match the mode.
On-road
- Normal – designed for comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability;
- Sport – more responsive for spirited on-road driving; and
- Slippery – for more confident driving on off-road slippery or uneven surfaces.
Off-road
- Rock Crawl – providing optimum traction and momentum on loose surfaces;
- Sand – for use in soft sand and deep snow conditions, optimising power delivery and transmission shifts;
- Mud/Ruts – for maximum grip off-road during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum; and
- Baja – tuned for high-speed off-road performance with all systems set for maximum attack.
Next-gen Ranger Raptor also comes with Trail Control™, which is like cruise control for off-roading. The driver simply selects a set speed (less than 32km/h), and the vehicle manages acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Driving the new Raptor in the Namibian Desert, one was astounded by its breath of capability off road with high speed off road driving elevated to Rally spec off road vehicles. Pushing the Raptor at speeds of up to 160km/h in the sea bed, one was left highly impressed by its composure. We didn't get to experience it on road and one will be keen to see how good it is on road especially with the type of tyres that comes standard. Oh.... and that V6 sings tunes which makes this the Vrrrrr Pphhaaa of bakkies. Don't ask about the fuel at the launch as we spent more time in off road modes driving flat out.
Pricing (includes VAT)
- Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 EcoBoost 4WD 10AT R1 094 900
Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing a Ford Protect service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.