By Otsile Kadiege

The wraps have officially been lifted off the second-generation, high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor. Ford says the new Ranger Raptor takes things to the next -level with its beefier exterior design, model-specific interior detailing, enhanced chassis, a new performance oriented petrol power-plant and various driving modes to mention a few.

Performance

Straight off the bat, let’s delve into the new petrol engine. The outgoing model was solely available with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, however the new Ranger Raptor now has a petrol powered derivative. Heeding to the call of Ranger Raptor owners across the globe who wanted a bit more oomph and excitement from a Ranger Raptor, Ford Performance developed a 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol EcoBoost V6 engine with compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is said to be stronger and stiffer. It makes a whooping 292kW / 583Nm and like the outgoing model, the new Ranger Raptor will also make use of a 10-speed automatic transmission. The current 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine soldiers on, which is most likely the only engine that will be on offer for SA. Ford is yet to confirm power and torque of the diesel engine.

Its powerful engine and class-exclusive electronically controlled active exhaust system are said to deliver phenomenal performance on and off-road, and mild-to-wild engine sounds. The new Ranger Raptor also features on and off-road selectable drive modes. On-road drive modes include Quiet, Normal, Sport and Slippery whilst Off-road driving modes include Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Baja.

When compared to the new Ranger, the new Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis. According to Ford, a series of unique mounts and reinforcements were necessary , for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket all combine to ensure next-gen Ranger Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions.

Ford Performance also worked on the suspension of the new Ranger Raptor by redesigning it with tough, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link rear end. These according to Ford delivers more control across rough terrain at high speed. It’s fitted with 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers tuned and developed by Ford Performance. The springs are said to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road.

Exterior design

The second-generation Ranger Raptor is instantly recognisable thanks to its purposeful design that boasts Ford’s F-Series inspired design. Up front the new Ranger Raptor features a bold grille with F-O-R-D lettering and a bumper that’s separated from the grille. The grille is flanked by C-clamp headlights with Matrix LED and LED daytime running lights featuring dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling.

Its side profile is dominated by flared fenders which accommodate a choice of two 17-inch wheel designs, one with beadlock capability and each wrapped with BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres. It also features functional vents, aero features and tough, new-design cast aluminium side steps, as well as ‘Raptor’ detailing. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and tow bar that is tucked up high to aid the truck’s departure angle.

Interior design and technology

The rugged, off-road exterior theme of the new Ranger Raptor is carried over inside. It features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats – both in the front and rear – that are said to be more comfortable and more supportive during high-speed cornering. The cabin also features Code Orange accents throughout the cabin that’s complimented by the Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting’s amber glow.

The new 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 SYNC4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone connectivity, as well as a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Ford South Africa will confirm local availability, pricing, specification as well as local powertrains at a later stage.