Ford launches more powerful Ranger Raptor

Ford South Africa have launched the all-new Raptor which is poised to raise the off-road performance bar as a bakkie built for true enthusiasts.

With the all-new Raptor Ford’s development team have delivered a vehicle that is significantly more powerful, faster, designed to conquer even more challenging terrain, tougher than ever and that has more aggressive and purposeful looks to match.

Under the bonnet

The enormous performance leap is courtesy of a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine producing 292kW and 583Nm which is nearly double the power output of its predecessor. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, each gear is programmed to its own boost profile.

Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound via the exhaust mode button on the steering wheel or by selecting a drive mode that uses quiet, normal, sport and Baja profiles ensuring the right soundtrack for the conditions.

The Ranger Raptor’s running gear has been completely redesigned and now features all-new tough, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link rear end that offers more control across rough terrain at high speed. Suspension upgrades include the use of the latest Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with cutting-edge control technology that offers position-sensitive damping capability. Underbody protection includes a 2.3mm high-strength steel bash plate, an engine under shield and transfer case shield.

The Raptor is now fitted with an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. This combined with the standard rear locking differential, as well as a new front locking differential takes the bakkies off-road capability to new heights. The four-wheel drive systems default driving mode is four-wheel drive, but the driver can easily select two-wheel drive via push-button controls to engage rear-wheel drive only, or four high to lock it into four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive low range when needed.

Seven selectable drive modes assist the Raptor in handling a variety of terrain. These modes include the off-road oriented Baja mode for extreme high-speed off-roading where electronic systems are configured for ultimate performance.

A muscular 17-inch wheel design is wrapped in 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.

Modern aggressive design

An all-new design ensures that the Raptor looks as good as it goes. The width is emphasized by flared wheel arches, C-clamp headlights, bold FORD lettering on the grille and a bumper that is separated from the grille. Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights take lighting performance to the next level. Functional vents, aero features and tough cast aluminium side steps enhance the look and functionality of the vehicle. At the rear the taillights are now LED too and a precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that has been neatly integrated in order to increase the departure angle from 25 to 25 degrees.

 Inside story

The interior features all-new seats inspired by those of a jet fighter in the front and rear that are comfortable and supportive during high-speed driving. Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are enhanced by the Raptor’s ambient lighting. A premium grade leather steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast magnesium paddle shifters add to the dynamic character.

The fully digital cabin includes a high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch centre touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system that can accommodate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A dedicated off-road sync screen allows the driver to easily select 4x4 features, including the electronic front and rear differential locks, hill descent control and parking sensors while also displaying a wide variety of driving information.

Driver assist technologies

The Ranger Raptor is fitted with a wide variety of driver assist technologies including Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering amongst a host of others.

Pricing

The Ranger Raptor is sold as standard with a four-year/120 000km warranty and four-year unlimited roadside assistance. Customers have the option of purchasing a Ford Protect service or maintenance plan up to eight years or 165 000km

Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 EcoBoost 4WD 10AT R1 094 900