The new Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived and leads the way to the next generation of the best-selling pickup. Built to rule the desert and the mountains, the next generation Ranger Raptor raises the bar for off-road performance like a pickup truck and embodies the smartest, toughest and most capable character to be found in every new generation of Ranger. European Ranger enthusiasts have a special reason to celebrate as the new Ranger Raptor is the first new Ranger model to arrive in Europe, production is already well underway and the first customers are taking delivery of their vehicles.
Developed by Ford Performance, the new Ranger Raptor is the powerful derivative of the new Ford Ranger. With smarter technology powering stronger next-generation hardware, the Ranger Raptor combines raw power with mechanical and engineering precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever. “We focused on offering a really powerful pickup with the new Ranger Raptor,” he says. Dave Burn, Ford Performance Program Lead Engineer for the Ranger Raptor. “It’s significantly faster, it looks great, it’s packed with new features and it’s the strongest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
After the arrival of the Raptor, Ford already taking orders from the highly sought-after Wildtrak and Limited series, as well as the work-ready Ranger XL and XLT. All are part of the most comprehensive and capable Ranger range to date in Europe, with new technologies and proven capabilities to continue Ford’s market leadership for the eighth consecutive year. In September 2022, Ranger further strengthened its leading position in the European pickup market with a new record market share of 53.4 percent, representing a 41 percent increase in market share to date. And from this section, we know for sure that this vehicle is going to do that tickle all genres and budgets because of the design and the extensive possibilities. What are you waiting for to read all the details?
The biggest news for performance enthusiasts is the introduction of a new 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, tuned by Ford Performance to produce 292PS and 491Nm of torque. The new engine delivers a massive increase in power over the current 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, which will continue to be available in the next-generation Ranger Raptor from 2023, with market-specific details available closer to launch.
The 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine features a densified graphitized iron cylinder block, which is approximately 75% stronger and up to 75% stiffer than iron used in traditional foundries. Ford Performance has ensured that the engine responds instantly to the throttle, and a racing anti-lag system similar to that first used in the road-going Ford GT and Focus ST ensures a fast power delivery when needed.
The new anti-lag system spins the turbochargers for up to three seconds after the driver releases the accelerator pedal, allowing faster acceleration to resume out of corners or through gears when the driver hits the accelerator again. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual boost profile for each gear of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to optimize performance.
To match this wide-ranging performance, an electronically controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine sound in four selectable modes that allow the Ranger Raptor to customize its character.
Customers can also choose a 2.0-liter EcoBlue twin-turbo diesel engine, which will be available to order in the Ranger Raptor from early 2023. The first deliveries are expected in the summer.
For the first time, the Ranger Raptor features an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. Raptor now offers front and rear limited slip differentials, a valuable feature for off-road enthusiasts.
To help the Ranger Raptor handle everything from slippery roads to mud and ruts, plus everything in between, there are seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road-oriented Baja Mode, which configures the vehicle’s electronic systems for maximum performance during high-speed off-road driving.
Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements, from the engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve control, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and color themes of the instrument panel and center touchscreen change depending on the driving mode selected.
The Ranger Raptor also features Trail Control, a kind of cruise control for off-roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle controls acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasize the Ranger Raptor’s off-road performance and energetic character. The interior features new hunter-inspired sports seats, both front and rear, for greater comfort and support during fast cornering.
Code Orange color accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are reflected in the Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, bathing the interior in an amber glow. A quality leather-wrapped heated sports steering wheel with thumbsticks, center branding and cast magnesium paddle shifters round out the sporty feel.
Ford expects Ranger Raptor customers to take every opportunity to put their trucks to the test in the wild, so the company offers a wide range of Ford-approved accessories for sports and camping, including a new two-person rooftop tent from the outdoor experts. ARB. The built-in mattress, five windows and zippered fly screens provide a measure of outdoor luxury, while the durable aluminum frame and waterproof ripstop fabric make pitching and folding easy. Roof mounting leaves the entire load floor free for luggage, and Ford’s approval means the tent has a two-year warranty and can be ordered through the customer’s local dealer.
Source: Marie Claire
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
