Ford’s rollout of the new Ranger model variants continues at speed, with the more potent 3,0-litre Raptor the latest addition.
Besides the fact it comes with a price tag over the R1-million mark, it now has more than double the power of the old version with a new 3,0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that generates 292 kW and 583 Nm.
The twin-turbo engine has a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75% stronger and up to 75%stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.
Ford Performance tweaks include immediate response to throttle inputs and a race-bred anti-lag system, available in the Baja drive mode, that enables rapid delivery of boost on demand by keeping the turbochargers spinning up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle.
The engine works cooperatively with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with each gear programmed with its boost profile.
“The outgoing Ranger Raptor created an entirely new segment for performance bakkies. It has been popular, maintained strong sales demand throughout its lifespan and remains without rival four years later. And now, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor entirely rewrites the rulebook yet again, elevating performance and capability to new heights, both on and off-road,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
Ford’s development team raised an already high bar to entirely new heights with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor by focusing on delivering a vehicle that is significantly more powerful, much faster and designed to conquer even more challenging terrain.
“Although customers may have expected improved performance from the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, few would have predicted the enormous leap we’ve made with the introduction of the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine and a raft of changes to the chassis, suspension, steering and drive modes,” Mashinini says.
Design for hard driving, the Raptor also has a chassis that differs from the Ranger through a series of unique 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.
Suspension optimisation involves new lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension, and a refined Watt’s link rear to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed.
These upgrades work in tandem with new Fox Live Valve dampers that offer the position-sensitive damping capability and Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the current Ranger Raptor.
Significantly the new Raptor has a permanent all-wheel drive featuring an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with the standard rear locking differential and a new front locking differential.
Helping Next-Gen Ranger Raptor handle anything from smooth tar roads to mud, ruts, rocks and desert sand – and everything in between – are seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road-oriented ‘Baja’ mode for extreme high-speed off-roading. In Baja mode, the configuration of electronic systems allows the Ranger to deliver ultimate performance.
The Ford vehicle dynamics team set out to make Baja mode the ultimate expression of the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor’s off-road high-speed capability and the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects.
The Raptor also comes with Trail Control which allows the driver to select a set speed (less than 32 km/h), and the vehicle manages acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering.
“The design of the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor reflects its exceptional performance characteristics, and each element is there for a reason,” Mashinini says.
It has Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beam and auto gutsy levelling,
It rides on a 17-inch wheel design wrapped in 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.
The interior boasts jet fighter-inspired sports seats – both in the front and rear – supportive during high-speed cornering.
The fully digital cabin has a high-resolution 12,4-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch centre touchscreen with Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity, along with wireless charging.
Type A and Type C USB charging and data ports abound in the front centre console, with a USB charging port alongside the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam or GPS device.
Rear passengers have access to USB-A and USB-C charging ports, complemented by a built-in 400-Watt inverter that provides convenient 240V power to the load box with a 12V socket.
Sound comes from a 10-speaker 660 W Bang & Olufsen sound system integrated into the 12-inch centre touchscreen is a 310-degree camera system with a split-view display.
In addition to the regular suite of driving aids such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control, the standard features include Lane Keeping System with Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Road Edge Detection.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering accompany Evasive Steer Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Active Park Assist 2.0, Pre-Collision Assist with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, and Automated Emergency Braking are all standard.
Pricing (includes VAT)
• Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 EcoBoost 4WD 10AT R1 094 900
Owners can enjoy the leniency of a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
