By Otsile Kadiege

Back in 2019 Ford revealed a ultimate Ranger called the Ranger Raptor featuring an ultra-strong chassis, bespoke suspension and tyres, and a Terrain Management System to support the thrill-seeking outdoor lifestyles of true off-road enthusiasts. Fast forward a few years later Ford South Africa has launched the Ranger Raptor Special Edition which adds unique exterior enhancements, interior updates and a standard roller shutter. 

Exterior design updates 

Outside, the Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition features racing stripes, the front tow hooks are finished in red while the flared wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, door handles and signature Ford-embossed grille feature a matte black finish giving the Raptor Special Edition an imposing stance. It’s also fitted with a Wildtrak and Thunder sourced black sports hoop, and lockable Mountain Top black roller shutter respectively.

The new Ranger Raptor Special Edition adds twin matte black racing stripes – edged with red contrast lines – to the bonnet, roof, lower body sides, rear wings and tailgate. It’s available in the following colours:  Sea Grey, Frozen White, Blue Lightning and Agate Black paint finishes. 

Interior design updates

Inside, the Ranger Raptor Special Edition features red stitching for the steering wheel, instrument panel and door cards, standard high-grain leather seats and a Special Edition-only Raceway Grey instrument panel adds further exclusivity. 

Performance

The Ranger Raptor Special Edition is still powered by Ford’s 157 kW/ 500 Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that’s paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also features bespoke aluminium double wishbones suspension at the front and a multi-link rear architecture, including specially developed FOX shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping that moderates damping forces in response to changing driving scenarios. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres offer maximum grip on loose surfaces.

Pricing and availability 

Pricing for the Ranger Raptor Special Edition will be announced closer to launch in Q4 of 2021 and will be built in limited numbers.