The next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor has been revealed, and it’s coming to the UK powered by a V6 petrol engine.
Representing a complete overhaul of the now infamous performance pickup, the new Ranger Raptor features updates to the chassis, bodywork, suspension, engines, interior and gearbox, amongst others. Ford promises that this second-generation Ranger Raptor raises the off-road performance bar as a pickup built for true enthusiasts.
“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for Ranger Raptor. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
Ford Ranger Raptor: V6 Petrol Power
The current Raptor has been criticised for being underpowered, but that won’t be a complaint the new model receives. Under the bluff front end is a 3.0-litre V6 engine, and it’s petrol powered rather than diesel.
The twin-turbo engine produces 288hp of power and 491Nm of torque and promises impressive performance. Justin Capicchiano, Ford’s Ranger Raptor program supervisor, explained that Raptor “isn’t just fast compared to other midsized trucks. It’s fast, period. It’s hot hatch fast.”
Lighter and stronger than a traditionally built engine thanks to a graphite-iron block, the new powerplant is packed with technology to provide improved drivability. Immediate response to throttle inputs is promised thanks to a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST, enabling rapid delivery of boost on demand.
The anti-lag system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, diverting the power-boosting pressure until the driver uses the throttle once more. At that point turbo boost is directed back to the engine, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration.
All 288hp is sent through a 10-speed automatic gearbox that has been calibrated specifically for the Ranger Raptor.
“The 3.0-litre engine brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,” explained Burn. “The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.”
Ford Ranger Raptor: Rally Ready Suspension
At the front, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms provide improved responses, while the rear leaf springs have been removed, replaced with a refined Watt’s link rear end offering more control over rough terrain. It’s all matched to Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. These feature cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability and are the most sophisticated ever fitted to Ranger Raptor.
Filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50%, they provide a sturdier and smoother ride. As the shocks compress, different zones within the bypass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height. Fox Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of shock travel and can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, further improving vehicle stability.
While the hardware is Fox, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing, mostly across demanding Australian terrain. Everything from adjusting the spring rates to setting the ride height, valve tuning and honing the ride zones was performed to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road.
“The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new Fox Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance,” Burn said.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Driving Modes
Seven driving modes allow Raptor drivers to select the optimum dynamics for any given situation. Each selectable drive mode adjusts everything from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response.
Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl are self-explanatory, but these are joined by Sport and Quiet modes. The former opens up the active valve twin exhaust system to create a soundtrack to attract attention, while the latter does the opposite for those times when you want to try and melt into the background.
Finally, Baja fires up the most striking exhaust profile in both volume and note, the exhaust behaving more like a straight-through system. For obvious reasons, this is intended for off-road use only. A steering wheel-mounted switch allows the engine note to be adjusted as you drive.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Built Tough
While the next-generation Ford Ranger chassis is significantly improved over the outgoing model, the Raptor version takes the changes further. A series of Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements 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 allow the Raptor to handle punishing off-road conditions.
The front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Ranger’s unit and is made from 2.3mm-thick high-strength steel. This plate, combined with the engine under shield and transfer case shield, protects key components such as the radiator, steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential.
Twin rated tow hooks at the front and rear provide flexible recovery options while driving off-road; the design facilitates access to one of the tow hooks if the other is buried, as well as enabling the use of balance straps during snatch recoveries in deep sand or thick mud.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Off Road
While the outgoing Raptor never struggled off-road, the new Ranger Raptor improves on what’s gone before. An advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system with an all-new electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials – a valuable feature for hardcore off-road enthusiasts – will ensure the pickup can keep going through the toughest of terrain.
The Raptor also features Trail Control – effectively cruise control for use off-road – where the driver simply selects a speed below 20mph and leaves the vehicle to manage power delivery, acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Style and Function
The Ford Ranger’s aesthetic has been updated for the Raptor, boosting its on- and off-road presence. Flared wheel arches emphasise the pickup’s width, while bold FORD lettering on the grille and the Raptor-specific tough separate bumper add more visual muscle.
Flared fenders cover muscular 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Raptor-exclusive BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres. Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck.
At the rear, LED tail lights provide a styling link to the front, while the rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle.
The Raptor’s cabin features all-new sports seats – allegedly inspired by those in the F-22 Raptor military jet – to increase comfort and offer increased support during high-speed cornering.
Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are matched by an amber glow from the ambient lighting. The substantial leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel features an on-centre marking, a bold Raptor logo and cast-magnesium paddle shifters for when you want to manage the 10-speed gearbox yourself.
The rest of the cabin follows the new Ranger and therefore features a 12.0-inch infotainment screen mounted vertically in the centre of the dashboard as well as a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment software is in place, which allows for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. A 10-speaker B&O sound system allows you to provide your own high-quality soundtrack, should you tire of the Raptor’s intoxicating exhaust note.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Payload
The Raptor has never been targeted at commercial users in the UK, with the payload capacity of 680kg limiting its appeal to business users. While Ford has yet to confirm final details, Professional Pickup understands that the new-generation Raptor’s payload limits won’t differ by more than a few kilograms.
Ford Ranger Raptor: Pricing and Availability
The Ford Ranger Raptor will make its global debut in Europe, with sales expected from Summer 2022. First deliveries are expected towards the end of the year, ahead of the regular Ford Ranger’s appearance in 2023.
While there’s no official word on pricing, expect a significant uplift from the current model’s £54,025 price tag. As the Raptor doesn’t qualify as a commercial vehicle, business users will be unable to reclaim the VAT element.
Commerical qualifying models of the Ranger will appear in 2023, with the Wildtrak becoming available with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine for the first time.
“While Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers, it’s also a supremely capable overlanding vehicle. Out of the box we’ve created an off-road vehicle that you don’t need to modify to get you where you need to go and back again safely,” adds Burn. “We knew that customers would expect improved performance with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, but I’m not sure they’re really expecting the enormous leap we’ve made.
“It’s a seriously fun truck to drive and I think the raw performance is going to blow them away.”
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