Ford Performance has just pulled the wraps off their latest creation, the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor. Not to be confused with the F-150 Raptor supertruck, this Ranger Raptor is essentially an ultra souped-upped Ranger pickup truck.
The Ranger Raptor was injected with Ford Performance DNA, spotting a new bi-turbo diesel mill, race-tuned suspension, and improved off-road capability and stability. So good, that Ford Performance deemed it worthy of the iconic Raptor nameplate.
EXTERIOR
Measuring at 5,398 mm in length, 1,873 mm in height, 2,180 mm in width and a rear track of 1,710 mm, the Ranger Raptor is considerably wider than the standard car by 320 mm, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Approach angle is now 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle at 24 degrees and departure angle at 24 degrees.
Visually, the Ranger Raptor gets its styling inspiration from the F-150 Raptor which includes a new front grille, frame mounted front bumper, LED fog lamps, functional air-curtains and composite front fenders. Other practical features include high-strength aluminium die-cast step board, integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks at the rear.
INTERIOR
The cabin was designed with performance driving in mind but still be able to withstand the everyday duties of long-distance travelling and off-road adventures. The seats not only provide ample support for high-speed off-road runs but also superior comfort on-road comfort. Elsewhere, you’ll find leather interior with blue contrast stitching, aggressive instrument cluster, multifunctional steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters and “On-Centre” market as well as Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the Ranger Raptor rests an all-new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produces 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission that was developed in-house. The twin-turbo set up ensures linear torque delivery and responsiveness.
The Ranger Raptor comes with a Terrain Management System (TMS) that offers six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. Baja mode, named after the famous Baja Dessert Rally, gives the driver maximum high-speed off-road performance.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the Ranger Raptor comes with Ford’s latest advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
WHAT ELSE?
The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant and will be exported to the Asia Pacific region. Will Malaysia be one of the lucky recipient? Only time will tell.
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