The Ford Performance division has taken the recently unveiled Ranger and given it some hot peppers and transformed it into a formidable bakkie. The world of high speed off road driving is rejoicing the unveiling of the 292kW Twin Turbo V6 EcoBoost Raptor. This one will dominate the dessert, master the mountains and rule everywhere……..!!Let the games begin!!.
The current Ranger Raptor looks like a steroid infused bakkie beast next to a standard Ranger Wildtrack and Ford designers have kept the same formula with the new Raptor, giving the new model flared wheel arches, Ford truck DNA C-clamp LED headlights with class leading 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. 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. “Everything designed for the Ranger Raptor is there for a reason,” said Dave Dewitt, Ranger Raptor exterior design manager. “We’re communicating what Ranger Raptor can do just by the way it looks.”
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 a choice of two muscular 17-inch wheel designs, one with beadlock capabilityiv, and each 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 an integrated step pad and towbari that is tucked up high 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.
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 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.
Order books for the new Ford Ranger Raptor will be open at dealerships from the 3rd Quarter (July – September 2022) with the Mzansi launch also happening in 2022. The other model Rangers (incl. Wildtrack) also coming in 2022.