All-New Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0-Litre EcoBoost V6 offers a Different Dynamic.
New Ford Ranger Raptor offers a Different Dynamic.
With more power, more capability and more technology to enjoy, the new Ranger Raptor is Ford’s most exhilarating off-road performance pick-up yet. Additionally, the Raptor looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it is the toughest Ranger ever made. With chunky BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres fitted to a set of black 17-inch alloy wheels, rugged wheel-arch extensions, and a boxy new front bumper with bold ‘FORD’ lettering, the new Raptor looks relatively similar to the larger F-150 Raptor that Ford sell by the shipload in the USA.
Sports Car-Inspired Cabin.
The interior has also been given a thorough revamp, relative to the standard Ranger, with Code Orange highlights scattered throughout the spacious and luxurious 5-seat cabin for added visual drama. The stylish and supportive bucket seats up front also benefit from Raptor branding, as does the sculpted multi-function steering wheel. The gear shift levers behind the steering wheel feel solid and are easy to access, without being intrusive. The strip of red leather at the top dead-centre of the steering wheel is a nod to centre lines used on rally cars, leaving drivers in no doubt as to the ability of the powerhouse under the bonnet. The Raptor comes complete with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with a host of configurable performance dials, a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include a 10-speaker Bang & Oulfsen audio system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera, 7 selectable drive modes, SYNC IV infotainment system with navigation, and 10-way power-operated front seats.
EcoBoost Petrol Power.
The Ranger Raptor has a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent, dual range all-wheel drive. A specific boost profile for each gear of Ford’s advanced automatic transmission, and a race-bred anti-lag system, help deliver maximum thrills, supported by four exhaust modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja. The mighty 3.0-litre engine brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast. Selectable full-time four-wheel drive modes consist of 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L, and thanks to the availability of all-wheel traction, the Ranger doesn’t struggle to put its power down on any surface. Part of that off-road proficiency does come from its unique suspension set-up, which sees the Raptor swap out the standard leaf-sprung rear axle for a Watt’s link-equipped rear end with coil springs, while Fox Racing shock absorbers are fitted at all four corners. The chassis also features reinforced strut tower mounts, along with new upper and lower control arms, all of which make it seriously capable when the going gets tough. With 272mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 850mm on offer, along with approach, departure and breakover clearance angles of 32 degrees, 25 degrees and 24 degrees respectively, the Raptor is the ideal travelling companion for off-road adventures. The Raptor has a max towing capacity of 2,500kg (braked trailer) and has a payload of 652kg. The heavy-duty load liner in the cargo area not only looks great, but it is hugely practical too. A 12V socket is located in the bedliner, and the electrically-operated (roller-shutter style) load cover is a welcome bonus.
Ranger Raptor on Review.
My review vehicle was a new Ranger Raptor 3.0-litre EcoBoost in attention-grabbing Code Orange paintwork. With 292PS (287bhp) and 491Nm of torque on offer, the 2.5-ton Raptor can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 7.9-seconds, making it one of the most entertaining vehicles on the road. With that mighty engine under the bonnet, the Raptor now has the performance it always should have had, while its impressive off-road ability is awe-inspiring. It genuinely feels like it could do almost anything asked of it, and its supple ride quality and tractable power delivery are commendable. The Raptor is surprisingly refined for a workhorse-turned-performance car, and while it is not as nimble as a hot hatch, it is more taut and precise in its responses than other vehicles of this type. Off-road, it has a level of grip and wheel articulation that few heavy duty four-wheel drive vehicles can match. The longer and wider footprint, in addition to more advanced traction control systems and a completely revised suspension layout, have genuinely elevated the Ford Ranger Raptor’s capabilities to a new level.
Conclusion & Pricing.
The new Ford Ranger Raptor EcoBoost offers rapid acceleration for a double-cab pick-up, and it is loaded with the very latest safety and infotainment tech. A super-comfortable suspension set-up on, or off-road, provides drivers with an unrivalled driving experience. The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor EcoBoost is priced from €77,355 (ex-delivery) and is on sale now. A 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo 205PS EcoBlue (Diesel) engine is also available in the Ranger Raptor, and is priced from €74,140 (ex-delivery).
Visit www.ford.ie for further information
