Ford has opened the order books for the next-generation V6-powered Ranger Raptor, with a price tag of £57,340 meaning it will remain a suitably exclusive pickup.
While leasing rates haven’t filtered through just yet, the slim price increase over the current Raptor model suggests monthly rates won’t significantly exceed the roughly £600 plus VAT fee that is being charged now.
Potential customers can now create the perfect Ranger Raptor using the online configurator. There are plenty of options to choose, including the Raptor Splash Decal Pack and exterior “Raptor Pack”, which includes a cab roll-over bar and power roll-top Tonneau cover. The bold new Code Orange premium paint, exclusive to the Ford Ranger Raptor, is another one to think about adding, although at a cost.
“Being able to build their dream Next-Gen Ranger Raptor is now a reality for our customers and they can experiment with the range of options with our online configurator,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Whatever the combination, Ranger Raptor will always deliver its trademark ultimate off-road driving experience.”
Raptor Upgrades
The Ford Raptor Ranger will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, with the twin-turbo engine producing 288hp of power and 491Nm of torque. Justin Capicchiano, Ford’s Ranger Raptor program supervisor, explained that Raptor “isn’t just fast compared to other midsized trucks. It’s fast, period. It’s hot hatch fast.”
Thanks to the anti-lag system, all 288hp is sent instantly through a 10-speed automatic gearbox that’s been calibrated specifically for the Raptor without a power delay, before finding its way to the full-time four-wheel-drive system with an electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case.
Suspension on the Raptor has been upgraded, with the rear leaf springs removed and replaced with a sophisticated Watts link rear end. Lightweight aluminium upper and lower arms have been included too, along with Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers, which offer position-sensitive damping capability and cutting-edge control technology. Result? It’s as tough as nails.
The cabin has a few small changes, including sports seats said to be inspired by the F-22 Raptor military jet, but for the most part, it remains very similar to the regular Ford Ranger, including a 12.0-inch vertically mounted infotainment screen which houses Ford’s Sync 4 software, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
On the outside, flared fenders cover 17-inch alloy wheels with Raptor-exclusive BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres. Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps enhance the look and functionality of the Raptor. The rear bumper has an integrated step pad and tow bar that sits high to avoid compromising the rear ground clearance.
Commercial Consideration
There’s some bad news; while the Ranger Raptor is the ultimate incarnation of Ford’s rugged pickup, the upgrades to the Raptor rob it of some of its payload. It’ll still carry more than 800kg of cargo, but that’s not enough for the HMRC to consider it a dusk purpose vehicle, so business lessors won’t be able to reclaim the VAT element. Happily, nothing changes for private users.
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