Ford has taken the wraps off the all-new Ranger Raptor performance pickup. The new-gen Ranger Raptor gets a more powerful V6 turbo petrol engine instead of the previous-gen model's turbo diesel powerplant. Additionally, the new Ranger Raptor gets radical exterior redesign influenced by the US-market F-150 Raptor.
- Ranger Raptor gets a more powerful turbo-petrol engine
- The pickup will get a race-bred anti-lag system
- Will get chassis and suspension enhancements over standard model
New Ranger Raptor: 288hp turbo-petrol V6
The new Ranger Raptor gets a 288hp, 489Nm, 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 – a 75hp bump in power. over its predecessor. Although Ford has yet to reveal performance figures, the new Raptor is expected to comfortably outpace the previous version, which needed 10.1sec to hit 100kph from rest. However, the current 2.0-litre diesel engine will also be made available in the Raptor next year onwards in some overseas markets.
A ‘race-bred’ anti-lag system, similar to that used by Ford's GT supercar and Focus ST hot hatch, keeps the turbos spinning for three seconds after lift-off, to enable the driver to get back on the power sooner. The turbos are also mapped to start spinning at different times in each of the automatic gearbox’s 10 ratios, in order to give the straightest acceleration curve.
“It’s a totally engrossing experience. You’ve got a rowdy twin-turbo petrol V6, ” said Ford Performance programme manager Justin Capicchiano to our sister publication Autocar UK. “It makes a great noise – we spent a lot of time in the sound lab – and it comes with the performance to go with it now. It’s got the looks, the bark and the bite. We’re really proud of this one.”
New Ranger Raptor: Not just for show
As with the previous Ranger Raptor, modifications over the standard Ranger go well beyond the powertrain. The chassis has been comprehensively revised to enhance off-road performance and durability – with new mounts and reinforcements throughout – with extended-travel suspension featuring lower-friction 2.5-inch live-valve Fox dampers and a 2.3mm-thick steel bash plate that is twice the size of the standard Ranger’s.
The Raptor also gets a new electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, a locking differential at the front and rear and a total of seven driving modes – three for the road and four for rough terrain.
The visual enhancements extend to a bespoke grille with massive badging, flared wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tyres and an array of aero-enhancing styling cues. Inside, the Raptor comes with “jet fighter-inspired”’ seats, orange trim accents and stitching, and magnesium paddle shifters.
The best way to describe the evolution, said Capicchiano, is to “think of the current truck as the ST version and the new one moving towards the RS side of it. It’s a step up in character and performance”.
New Ford Endeavour
Following the unveil of the Raptor, Ford will take the wraps off the all-new Endeavour (Everest) overseas on March 1, 2022.
Would you like to see Ford bring the Ranger Raptor to India as a CBU? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
2022 Ford Ranger Raptor image gallery