The Ford Ranger Raptor is to launch in early 2019, becoming the most extreme model in the brand’s pick-up range.
Developed by Ford Performance in the UK and aimed at the enthusiast off-road market, the Ranger Raptor is described by its makers as its ‘badass model’ – the toughest, highest-performing version of the pick-up that has been a major success since going on sale in the UK.
It is powered by a bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, Â with 213hp and 500Nm of torque, put through the brand’s latest 10-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mph is quoted at 10.5 seconds with a top speed of 106mph.
The pick-up’s chassis has been retuned for high-speed off-road driving and the ability to tackle the most challenging terrain. The chassis frame, built from high-strength low-alloy steels, is reinforced for off-road conditions, while a 2.3mm thick high-strength steel plate is added to the existing underbody protection.
Bespoke specialist dampers are fitted, including a feature dubbed Position Sensitive Damping, which changes the level of reaction to the conditions – moderate forces on the road and higher levels in extreme terrain.
The dampers sit in protruding towers at the front and form part of a new and bespoke coilover rear suspension layout which also include a Watts Linkage – this allows the axle to move up and down while keeping sideways movement to a minimum.
Uprated brakes – twin-piston front callipers and 332mm vented discs front and rear – sit behind the wheels shod in 838mm diameter, 235mm wide BF Goodrich tyres with a bold off-road tread pattern.
Styling additions are also designed with the robustness expected on a true off-road vehicle – the grille is inspired by the performance version of Ford’s best-selling US pick-up, the F150 Raptor. The arches are flared out to allow more travel to the suspension and to accommodate the oversized tyres, while other upgrades include points to drain sand, mud or snow from he side steps.
Other upgrades include six modes on the pick-up’s Terrain Management System, which sets drivetrain and chassis to suit varying terrain conditions. The modes range from Normal up to Rock and even one dubbed Baja – inspired by the Baja Desert Rally it is designed for off-road travel at high speed.
The Ranger Raptor has been launched at a video games fair in Cologne and will also star in the soon too e released video game Forza Horizons 4.
