Regarding compact pickups, the Ford Ranger Raptor is unprecedented, categorically speaking. There have never been so many, but for some reason, the Blue Oval has seen fit to build this vehicle beast, which took no less than four years to develop.
It's a real Raptor, in every sense of the word. In terms of style, most homeowners would be able to snap on aftermarket kits for this look, but its true capabilities can never be matched. On the outside, the Ranger T6-based Raptor receives new xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (still halogen lights), a Dyno Gray grille with huge Ford letters, as well as LED fog lights with breather.
Rolls on 17-inch (8.5-inch-diameter) Raptor-specific alloys wrapped in 285/70 BF Goodrich high-performance off-road tires specially designed as standard, and between the drive axles are side-steps in aluminum built to protect the chassis and withstand the damage suffered during the hardcore off-road. Additional protection is provided by a 2.3 mm thick metal plate that protects parts such as the crankcase, transfer case, radiator, front differential and power steering system. ” style=”width: 311px; height: 207px;”/>
On the rear, the taillights remain unchanged, and the hatchback benefits from a new spring mechanism that eases the opening and closing process. Overall, the Raptor Ranger is 150mm wider than the standard model, evident through the inflated body panels and accented by the bumper and Dyno Gray wheel arches.
Other notable features include the keyless entry with push button, fender, reverse camera and two tow hooks for the front and rear bumper respectively. A 12 volt plug on the left side of the loading bed can also be found.
Inside, the high-end pickup gets a brand new leather-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at 12 o'clock position, magnesium shift shifters Machined, SYNC 3 head unit with Apple AutoPlay and Android Auto features, revised shift lever and unique leather-Alcantara sport seats with Raptor embroidery. The rear seats are also new;
If you have found a way to dress your Ranger to this extent, well, good luck sourcing for the following. Under the hood hides a brand new bi-turbo diesel engine (Panther) EcoBlue 2.0 liters developing 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque. That's 13 PS and 30 Nm more than what the 3.2-liter straight-five Puma makes, and the power is transmitted to the wheels thanks to a brand new 10-speed Getrag 10R80 automatic transmission with a unique software algorithm .
The towing capacity of kg can be daunting (the standard Ranger has a towing capacity of 3,500 kg), considering the power of the new engine. Keep in mind that the rear subframe no longer uses the heavy duty blade spring configuration. Instead, it uses a newly developed coilover suspension with the Watt link – the latter reduces lateral movements while driving, thus increasing stability.
Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers are one of the most valued components of the Raptor Ranger. It features several precisely drilled holes in the tubes (internal bypass system), designed to move fluids quickly and progressively for optimal off-road performance and on-road comfort. It's not adaptive, but no less effective. According to Ford, it is almost twice as efficient in terms of thermal performance compared to standard dampers.
Other features include a higher ride height (up to 150 mm), increased ground clearance (up to 50 mm), a sharp angle of approach of 32.5 degrees, as well as a ramp angle and a starting angle of 24 degrees. Despite this, the center of gravity is the same as before, and a full-size spare wheel can be found under the truck.
I have just come back from an arid (and extremely dusty) essay the extent of the Australian Outback, and let me just say, it does not matter. There is really nothing like it. On this side of the world, that is to say. Stay tuned as we bring you the full review. In the meantime, enjoy the gallery below. Did that pique your interest? Well, you can register your interest on the Ford Malaysia website. How much would you pay for this?
