Ford Malaysia, via its distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion, has announced on a Facebook post that a new Ford Ranger Raptor is on the way. Described as featuring “refined touches” in the caption of its post, the performance pickup will be available for viewing at Ford showrooms nationwide starting November 15 (Saturday).
While details remain scarce, we’re guessing the most likely change here would be a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, as seen on the recently launched Ford Ranger Wildtrak, a move that would likely appeal to diesel lovers. With the only diesel option for the current Raptor being a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo engine, the larger V6 would serve as a far more potent alternative, finally standing as a true counterpart to its petrol-powered sibling.
In the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine produces 250 hp and 600 Nm of torque — 40 hp and 100 Nm more than the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, or 147 hp less but 17 Nm more than the 3.0-litre V6 in the petrol Raptor. As is usual, power is sent to a full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD with 4A) system via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford is reportedly discontinuing the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine currently used in the Ranger and Everest models, starting with Australia and New Zealand, before being mirrored in other markets. In its place, the single-turbo unit will gain several key upgrades, including a new fuel injection system, and being paired to the 10-speed automatic gearbox, while the V6 diesel engine lineup will also be expanded.
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Beyond that, the existing 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, producing 397 hp and 583 Nm of torque, is expected to remain. It’d be interesting if SDAC Ford Malaysia also introduces the Ford Performance upgrade offered in the U.S. market here, which boosts the 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine to an impressive 461 hp and 727 Nm of torque – though we’re not keeping our hopes up.
As a Raptor, the pickup truck will continue to take on a performance-focused look, featuring sportier, more rugged styling, underbody bash plates, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Most notably, it will retain the upgraded FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve shocks and rear differentials — ideal for enthusiasts eager to take their Raptors off-road at speed.
ALSO READ: New Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6 launched in Malaysia priced from RM193k – 250 hp, 600 Nm
