Ford Ranger Raptor Heading to US Market
In a Tweet made by Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, it was confirmed that the Ranger Raptor pickup will finally make its way to the US Market next year.
The Tweet was made following another post advertising the global reveal of the next-gen Ranger Raptor. It is touted by Ford as the most powerful Ranger ever to be built by the automaker.
The next-gen Ranger Raptor is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. Exact power figures for the US-version are yet to be confirmed; however, in a press release for the European market, Ford claims the engine will produce 288 metric horsepower (284 horsepower) and 491 Newton meters of torque (362 lb-ft).
Current speculation suggests that the powertrain for the US market will more closely resemble that of the Bronco Raptor, which uses the same twin-turbo V6. Alongside a 10-speed automatic transmission, we could see the US Ranger Raptor put out 392 horses and 430 lb-ft of torque. Engine sound will be tunable via active valve exhaust, with Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja modes.
Similarly, the next-gen Ranger Raptor will ride on FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve shock absorbers, slightly smaller than the Bronco and F-150 Raptors’ 3.1-inch shocks. Aiding in off-road adventures are the electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. Seven selectable drive modes grant daily commuters, trail enthusiasts and desert racers the ability to cater their driving experience to their needs.
The front of the Ranger Raptor sees the now-iconic “FORD” lettering dominating the blacked-out grille, bookended by C-clamp headlights. Moving down the side, the 17-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in Raptor-exclusive all-terrain tires) are guarded by flared fenders. Functional vents and aero-features also break up the side profile, and the rear features LED taillights and a Precision Gray-painted bumper with integrated step pad and towbar.
The interior is said to emphasize the Ranger Raptor’s off-road, high energy nature, with front and rear sport seats inspired by what would be seen in high tech jet fighters. The black seats and instrument panel are contrasted Code Orange accents and trim pieces; the leather steering wheel and magnesium paddle shifters partially disguise the 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster. A 12-inch center screen utilizes Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system.
Exact dates on orders and deliveries are yet to be announced-- same for exact pricing. We’ll have plenty more news on the Ranger Raptor as it unfolds, right here on MotorWeek!
