Ford formalizes the ultimate version of the next-generation Ranger: the Raptor. The hormone-inflated pickup will be able to count on several engines including a new 288 hp 3.0 biturbo V6 petrol. The first deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2022.
Presented at the end of 2021, the new Ford Ranger is already upping its game with the reinforcement of the Raptor version. This version of the American pick-up will be the first to be available in France. The manufacturer with the blue oval recalls its involvement in this segment by emphasizing the fact that a third of pick-ups in Europe are Rangers, and that one in seven is a Raptor.
New V6 petrol
The big novelty of the Ranger Raptor is under its hood. A new V6 petrol 3.0 biturbo Ecoboost of 288 hp makes its appearance in the catalog of engines. Developed by Ford Performance, this block is derived from the competition. Moreover, the sports division of the brand ” would love to race with the Raptor “. The diesel is still in the game, also available with a V6 3.0 biturbo but only 213 hp. Whatever the engine, the 10-speed automatic transmission is offered as standard. On the performance side, the manufacturer has not yet communicated on the 0 to 100 km / h of its sports utility.
Seven driving profiles
The suspension has been revised with new long-travel Fox shocks. Incidentally, it should be noted that it becomes adaptive. The driver can choose from seven driving profiles. Three are intended for road use: Normal, Sport and Slippery (snowy or icy road), and four are optimized for off-road driving: Mud, Rocky, Sand and Baja. This last setting is considered the “wildest”. The active valve exhaust has four modes, allowing you to play on the sound of the engine. The Raptor receives two differentials at the front and rear electronically lockable via the central touch screen (e-AWD system).
On the outside, the Raptor takes up the lines of the new Ranger, whose design itself echoes the big brother F-150. The muscular pick-up adopts a matte black grille with FORD lettering, as well as widened wheel arches accommodating specific tires. Ultimate off-roader, the Raptor is adorned with a reinforced underbody protection (twice the size of that of the new Ranger), thus preserving all the vital organs of the pick-up. The passenger compartment is intended to be resolutely sporty by adopting seats whose design is inspired by the American F-22 fighter planes (also called Raptor). The dashboard, steering wheel and upholstery are contrasted by a touch of orange. As for infotainment, the Raptor has a 12.1-inch touchscreen, combined with 12.4-inch digital instrumentation.
Soon to be electrified?
With increasingly strict anti-pollution standards, one could have bet that Ford would give up a vitaminized version of its pick-up. However, the Raptor will be available on our market, at a price for the moment unknown but the utility will be able to benefit from an exemption from malus. The first deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2022. As for the V6 3.0 diesel engine, you will have to wait until March 2023 to take advantage of it. Ford points out that electrified versions of the Ranger will arrive in the coming months. The arrival of a hybrid or 100% electric Raptor cannot be ruled out.
