The all-new, next-level Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived, carving the way for the exciting new generation of Europe’s market-leading pickup.
Designed to dominate in the desert and master the mountains, the second-generation Ranger Raptor raises the off-road performance bar and embodies the smarter, tougher, more capable character present in every new-generation Ranger.
European Ranger enthusiasts have special reason to celebrate as the all-new Ranger Raptor is the first new Ranger model to reach Europe, with production already well underway and the first customers now receiving their vehicles.
Developed by Ford Performance, the all-new Ranger Raptor is the ultimate performance derivative of the latest Ford Ranger. With smarter technology controlling tougher, next-generation hardware, Ranger Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.
“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the all-new 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.”
More power to play
The biggest news for performance fans is the introduction of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine tuned by Ford Performance to produce 292PS and 491Nm of torque.
The twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine boasts a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75 per cent stronger and up to 75 per cent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST enables rapid delivery of boost on demand.
The new anti-lag system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission’s gears, for optimised performance.
“The 3.0-litre engine brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,” Burn said. “The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.”
To match this comprehensive performance, an electronically-controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine note in four selectable modes enabling Ranger Raptor to adapt its vocal character:
- Quiet – prioritises quietness over performance to keep the peace with neighbours on early mornings
- Normal – intended for everyday use, this profile offers an exhaust note with presence while not being too loud for street use. This profile is applied by default to Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl drive modes
- Sport – offers a louder and more dynamic note
- Baja – the most striking exhaust profile in both volume and note, in Baja mode the exhaust behaves more like a straight-through system. Intended for off-road use only.
Customers also have the option of choosing a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, which will be available to order in the Ranger Raptor from early 2023 with first deliveries expected in the summer.
Hardware for heavy hitters
The all-new Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis frame and suspension compared to other Ranger variants. 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 ensure the ultra-tough pickup can handle punishing off-road conditions.
A high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor needs the running gear to match, so Ford engineers completely redesigned the suspension. All-new tough yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed.
“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.
The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers feature cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted to Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 per cent compared to those on the outgoing vehicle.
Linked to Ranger Raptor’s revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve internal bypass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed.
In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare the all-new Ranger Raptor for different conditions. 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.
To provide protection against severe bottom outs, race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25 per cent of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability. With the shocks providing the right amount of damping force at every position, Ranger Raptor stays planted on both the road and track.
While the damper 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. 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.
Ranger Raptor’s ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with some serious underbody protection. The front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Ranger’s unit and is made from 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel. This plate, combined with the engine undershield and transfer case shield, is designed to protect key components such as the radiator, steering system, front crossmember, 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.
All-terrain control
For the first time, Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. The Raptor also now offers both front and rear locking differentials, with the new front differential providing a valuable additional feature for hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
“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,” Burn said.
Helping the all-new Ranger Raptor handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts, plus everything in between, are seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road oriented Baja mode, which configures the vehicle’s electronic systems for ultimate performance during high-speed off-roading.
“We really wanted Baja mode to be the ultimate expression of the high-speed off-road capability,” Burn said. “It’s a feature at the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects.”
Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode.
On-road
- Normal – designed for comfort and fuel efficiency
- Sport – more responsive for spirited on-road driving
- Slippery – for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces
Off-road
- Rock crawl – for optimum control in very low speed driving over extreme rocky and uneven terrain
- Sand – optimises gearchanges and power delivery for progress in sand and deep snow
- Mud/Ruts – for maximum grip during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum
- Baja – sets all systems to maximum attack for peak high-speed off-road performance
The all-new Ranger Raptor also features Trail Control, which is like cruise control for off-roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Tough and athletic looks
Matching the enhanced capability of Ranger Raptor is an all-new look that builds on the next-generation Ranger’s bold, strong style. Flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlight designs emphasise the pickup’s width, while bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille and the tough separate bumper add more visual muscle.
“Everything designed for the Ranger Raptor is there for a reason,” said Dave Dewitt, Ranger Raptor exterior design manager. “We’re communicating what Raptor can do just by the way it looks.”
Customers can choose from seven exterior colours, including striking, Raptor-unique Code Orange or Conquer Grey that reaffirm the pickup’s exclusivity and performance. For even more visual punch, Ford offers Raptor splash decal graphics that add race-inspired character.
The matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights push Ranger Raptor’s lighting performance to new levels, featuring predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling to deliver better visibility for Ranger Raptor drivers and other road users.
The flared fenders cover muscular 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Raptor-exclusive performance all-terrain 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 taillights provide a signature styling link to the front, while the Precision Grey rear bumper features a central step pad and a towbar that is tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasise Ranger Raptor’s off-road performance and high-energy nature. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering.
The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast-magnesium paddle shifters completes the sporty feel.
Occupants will also benefit from the latest digital technology; the high-tech cabin features a 12.4-inch all-digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen boasting Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system that delivers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility at no extra cost. A 10-speaker B&O sound system 7 provides the soundtrack to the next adventure.
Ford anticipates Ranger Raptor customers will take every opportunity to test their pickups in the wild, so the company offers a comprehensive range of Ford-approved accessories for sports and camping, including a new two-person roof tent from outdoors experts ARB. The tent’s built-in mattress, five windows and zippered insect screens bring a degree of luxury to the outdoors, while the durable aluminium structure and waterproof rip-stop fabric make it simple to erect and fold. The roof mount keeps the entire load bed free for luggage, and Ford approval means the tent comes with a two-year warranty and can be ordered through a customer’s local dealership.
Part of the Ford Performance family
Ford Performance is demonstrating Ranger Raptor’s rugged racing credentials at its spiritual home – the gruelling Baja 1000 desert rally – from November 15-20 in Baja, Mexico. As well as giving its name to Baja Mode, the renowned race has played a significant role in the development of the Ford Performance Raptor series.
The roots of the Raptor name lie in North America, where Ford has used it on high-performance pickup trucks and utility vehicles since the first-generation F-150 SVT Raptor, which was optimised for high-speed off-road performance. More recently, Ford Performance announced the Bronco Raptor SUV and limited-edition Bronco DR desert racer in North America.
The Ford Performance-developed Ranger Raptor expanded the Raptor badge to other global markets in 2018, marking the now-iconic nameplate’s arrival in Europe.
