The Raptor moniker has been used successfully by Ford for its flagship in the large F150 series of pick-up trucks. The name that is used for the most powerful F150 now makes it way to the Ford Ranger as Ford has launched the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor. The new off-road, performance pick-up truck was recently unveiled over in Thailand and everyone is talking about it. Because of that, we are talking about it too.
Well, this is quite exciting. Ford has been pretty quiet over in this region over the past six months or so with nothing really interesting. Now suddenly they've released a new Raptor for us to savour. From what has been revealed, the Ranger Raptor combines Ford's know how on off-roading, pick-up trucks and its knowledge on how to put together vehicles of high performance into a neat package. The Ranger Raptor gets the bold and large F.O.R.D lettering front grille as well as more cladding making it look like a proper Ford Raptor rather than just a namesake (this type of grille was first used on the F150 SVT Raptor back in 2010).
The new Ranger Raptor surprises us as this isn't just a cosmetic job like the recent Ranger FX4 or whatever. This one has a new 2.0liter bi-turbo (twin turbo) engine and a new transmission that has a whopping 10 gears. This new gearbox actually comes from the F150 Raptor and whilst it doesn't need to handle a 3.5liter turbocharged petrol powered Ecoboost engine (people in the USA like big capacity petrol engines) it still needs to handle 213ps and 500Nm of torque. Massive fun to be had here...and roadtax will still be affordable since its only a 2.0liter. That, and less fuel consumption compared to a 3.5liter.
Other than the major change to the powertrain and drivetrain, the new Ford Ranger Raptor gets better suspension to handle the power and take things up a notch. This includes standard front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers to help travel at high speeds off-road (as well as on road). The Ranger Raptor features an increased ride height, wider track and improved approach and departure angles that ensure extreme off-road capability and stability.
There is an all-new Watt’s linkage rear suspension with coilover rear springs helps ensure rear axle lateral stability off-road while also improving ride and handling. This basically means the suspension's geometry has been tweaked and fiddled with. Aside from the different shocks and spring rates, It would seem that Ford has most likely changed various suspension geometry points on the Ranger Raptor.
All of the suspension upgrades work with an electronic drive system with on-road and off-road modes. The new Ranger Raptor comes with a raft of equipment as well as active safety systems too.
Ford have also claimed that the Ranger Raptor has been tested in the world’s toughest conditions to ensure an unrivalled off-road package is offered to astonish and excite drivers. The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) using Ford’s latest state of the art manufacturing techniques and facilities.
I expect Ford's dealers here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion are totally excited about the prospect of selling the truck here in Malaysia. Everyone seems to be excited about it. They would definitely want to start selling it as soon as possible if given the opportunity.
I think it would be quite a halo vehicle for Ford here in Malaysia which sorely needs another push. Whilst the Ranger Wildtrak with its characterful 3.2liter engine is fun enough, a fair dose of Americana could be a catalyst to a Ford sales revival here. That 2.0liter tax break engine size is surely a key attraction. So bring the Ranger Raptor in here!!! A.S.A.P!!!
PRESS RELEASE
FORD UNLEASHES FIRST EVER RANGER RAPTOR
performance pick-up truck, blasted out from behind its camouflage during a reveal event in
Thailand today.
The ultimate Ranger is purposefully designed, built and tested to set a benchmark as the only
factory-built performance truck across Asia Pacific. Designed by Ford Performance team for the
true enthusiast off-roader, Ford Ranger Raptor strengthens Ford’s commitment to deliver “Built
Ford Tough” pickup trucks to customers in Asia Pacific.
“We are so excited and proud to unleash this vehicle to the public, driving it really makes you
feel like a hero,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Performance. “The Ford
Performance team is excited to extend the Raptor name from our flagship off-road performance
F-150 to Ranger. Just like the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability
of the range of vehicles it comes from and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA
appearance.”
Bold Design
The Ranger Raptor features distinctive design cues inside and out that are functionally driven.
At the front, a stunning new grille takes styling cues from the world’s first factory-built high
performance off road truck, the F-150 Raptor. The iconic block FORD lettering proudly
positioned within the grille design is unmistakable when emerging from a dust cloud.
A frame mounted front-bumper system is designed to offer desert durability performance and a
distinctive presence. The front bumper also includes new LED fog lamps with functional air-
curtain ducts, which help to reduce air resistance of the body.
Using composite materials, the front fenders not only look tough, but resist dents and dings
often associated with off-road usage. The flared shape of the fenders are required for the long
travel suspension and oversized tires. The exterior color palate offerings include Lightning Blue
Race Red, Shadow Black, Frozen White, as well as a unique Hero color for the Ranger Raptor,
Conquer Grey. Contrasting Dyno Grey accents helps to accentuate the vehicle’s look even
further.
Vehicle stance is noticeably bigger from every angle, standing at an impressive 1873mm tall,
2180mm wide and 5398mm long, with wider front and rear tracks at 1710mm. Ground clearance
is increased to 283mm, while the approach angle of 32.5, ramp over angle of 24, and
departure angle of 24 as a package are superior to anything seen before.
Starting from the ground up, the side steps are a cut above the rest. The step boards were
designed specifically to prevent rock spray from hitting the rear of the truck and the holes have
been designed to drain sand, mud and snow. The tough high-strength aluminium alloy die-cast
main step board is designed for durability, undergoing testing which includes a load of 100kg
being applied 84,000 times to simulate over 10 years in the field. A two-stage coating process
involves the main step board firstly being powder-coated, before then having a robust grit-paint
applied which results in a tough appearance that is also highly durable – scuff, scratch, stain-
resistant with superior resistance to environmental weathering.
At the rear, a modified rear bumper comes with an integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks
rated at 3.8 tonnes. Updated styling to the rear includes flush sensor bezels and specially
packaged and styled tow connectors. Providing an abundance of space, the 1560mm x
1743mm tray has been designed with the weekend explorer in mind, while the 2500kg towing
capacity also accounts for dirt bikes or jet-skis, as well as traditional work needs during the
week.
Inside, Ranger Raptor offers a tailored Ford Performance DNA interior design with a high level
of craftsmanship, harmonious colours and durable materials suitable for both off-road driving
and everyday use. The seats are specially designed for off-road high speed performance
support, allowing the driver to engage in enthusiastic handling, while also providing superior on-
road comfort. The use of technical suede on the seats for additional occupant grip shows the
practicality behind the material choice.
Multiple long-distance drive events were staged to gauge just how the seats perform over an
extended period of time, both on highways and off-road tracks to simulate customer usage. The
dual hardness cushion ticked all the boxes, providing superior lateral support and reduced feel
of any chassis vibration. This is achieved by a modified structure, using bolsters on the seat
back for greater support.
When getting behind the wheel, Ranger Raptor drivers will notice the detailed cockpit
differences everywhere they look, including the blue stitching and leather accents. The cluster
has aggressive styling, encompassing a host of Driver Assist features. The steering wheel is
distinctively different; new Raptor DNA lightweight magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear
changing are easily accessible near the perforated leather hand grip sections on the rim for
precision off-road shifting when you really need it.
Ford Performance DNA has played a significant role in the purposeful styling, including the ‘On-
centre’ marker – a red stripe at the top-middle of the wheel to let you know where the centre is
when operating the vehicle at high speed. The steering wheel is finished off with the Raptor logo
debossed into the spoke bezel.
Chassis, Brakes and Suspension
The Ranger Raptor’s chassis frame is a new unique frame that is specifically designed for the
vehicle to travel at high speeds off road and endure the punishment that off road racing
provides.
Ranger Raptor’s innovative new coilover rear suspension uses a Watt’s link setup with solid rear
axle to provide superior lateral control off-road while also helping improve ride and handling.
The frame design incorporates new geometry for the large suspension, providing the Raptor
DNA increased track and wheel travel. Built to withstand high-impact off-road events, Ranger
Raptor’s frame consists of various grades of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel. The stiffened
side-rails are made from increased HSLA grade steel to absorb off-road high speed impacts.
The front accommodates strengthened protruding shock absorber towers, while a new bespoke
coilover rear suspension with an integrated Watt’s linkage allows the axle to move up and down
with very little lateral movement. Two recovery hooks rated at 4.5 tonnes can be found at the
front, plus reinforced spare tyre mounting cross-members for the larger 17-inch Raptor rims.
The braking system on the Ranger Raptor offers extreme stopping power through new and
bespoke components. At the front, twin-piston calipers have been increased by 9.5mm in
diameter, while the ventilated rotors are an impressive 332 x 32mm in size. At the rear, Ranger
Raptor comes with disc brakes with a brake actuation master cylinder and booster to increase
braking performance. The 332 x 24mm rear rotor is ventilated and coupled with a new 54mm
caliper.
“The standout experience of the Ranger Raptor, hands down, is how far you can push it off-road
versus any other available production road vehicle in our markets, and still ride like a millionaire
on-road,” said Damien Ross, Chief Program Engineer, Ranger Raptor, Ford Motor Company.
“Everything about the Ranger Raptor builds on the already outstanding sophisticated feel and
functional capability of the Ranger, and then goes further. From a driving dynamic fun
standpoint, it is really an exceptionally special vehicle.”
Raptor’s race-bred suspension has been specifically crafted to tackle undulating terrain at high-
speed while remaining in complete control and comfort. The Position Sensitive Damping (PSD)
shock absorbers (dampers) provide higher damping forces at full jounce and rebound to enable
better off-road capabilities, and lower damping forces in the mid-travel zone for a class leading
plush ride during on-road trips. These settings are truly calibrated for the best of both worlds.
The dampers are exclusively manufactured by Fox Racing Shox with 46.6mm piston for front
and rear. Designed for off-road endurance terrain, the dampers, coupled with the long travel
suspension, allow for an unsurpassed damping performance off-road and a plushest of rides on-
road thanks to Internal Bypass technology.
Holding them in place are the forged aluminium upper arms and cast aluminium lower arms to
facilitate greater suspension travel and optimized for performance and extreme off-road
durability.
Hit the Beaten Track
Given the unforgiving terrain Ranger Raptor has been developed for, it needed an aggressive
set of tyres to keep it stable on and off-road. All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have
been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor. Holding a strong presence, each tyre
measures 838mm in diameter and 285mm in width. The design offers a tough sidewall to take
on all environments with confidence, a super grippy tread to extend owners’ adventure time on
and off-road and an aggressive off-road tread pattern which provides grip in wet, mud, sand and
snow conditions.
Ranger Raptor also comes with unique underbody protection to deflect off-road obstacles. The
new bash plate is made from 2.3mm thick high-strength steel and meets enhanced capabilities
for strength inline with Ford Performance requirements. The silver finished guard allows
clearance to the dual front recovery hooks. Working together with the existing engine and
transfer case undershields, the three elements provide protection to components such as the
radiator, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD), front
cross-member, engine sump and front differential.
Tuned for all Terrains
Ranger Raptor comes with a Terrain Management System (TMS) offering six modes for various
driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the
steering wheel. Each mode has been calibrated to offer the best possible combination of
technologies working in unison to tackle the chosen terrain or driving style with aplomb. These
include:
On-road modes
- Normal mode – Emphasising comfort, fuel economy and driveability
- Sport mode – Responsive for spirited on-road driving. This means fast, crisp gear shifts
at higher engine speeds to aid throttle response. The mapping reacts to increased
demand inputs from the driver by holding gears longer and downshifting more
aggressively.
Off-road modes
- Grass/Gravel/Snow mode – Designed to inspire safe and confident driving on off-road
slippery and uneven surfaces. This is done through smoother gear shifts and second-
gear starts, minimizing the probability of wheel slip.
- Mud/Sand mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for optimum traction and momentum
in deep, deformable surfaces like loose sand and mud. This is achieved by maintaining
lower gears with high torque.
- Rock mode – Used specifically for low-speed rocky terrain where smooth controllability
is key.
- Baja mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for high-speed off-road performance, just
like drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally. In this mode, vehicle systems like
Traction Control are pared back in terms of intervention to allow spirited off-road driving
without fighting the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimized for
maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more
aggressively.
Power to Move You
The Ranger Raptor powertrain features cutting edge technology to offer more power and torque,
better fuel economy, less weight and with off-road specific calibrations for engine, transmission,
driveline, steering, brakes and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In a revolutionary move to deliver incredible performance and responsiveness, a 10-Speed
transmission is combined with a new 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine in the Ranger Raptor to
deliver a maximum of 213PS (157kW) of power and 500Nm of torque.
Ford engineers have tested the new powertrain extensively in order to prove out durability.
This testing includes running a ‘thermo cycle’ on the engine, heating both turbos to the point of
glowing red for 200 hundred hours non-stop. It can withstand this torture thanks to the turbo
bearings and low-pressure (LP) turbo being water cooled to reduce temperature, avoid over-
heating and protect the air induction components.
Working as a team, the smaller, high-pressure (HP) turbo is connected in a sequence to the
larger, LP turbo and is controlled with by-pass valves that determine the operating mode
depending on engine speed. At lower engine speeds, the two turbos work in series, enhancing
torque and responsiveness, while at higher engine speeds, the small HP turbo is bypassed, and
the higher LP turbo provides boost to deliver more power.
The Ford-designed and Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission is shared with the F-150
Raptor and has been created with high-strength steel, aluminium alloys and composites to
optimize durability and weight. Having 10 gears means a wider ratio-span resulting in better
acceleration and responsiveness. With more room to optimize gear spacing, engineers could
customize gear progression far more efficiently than before, providing more accurate – and
quicker – upshift and downshift capability.
The all-new electronic system features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms
engineered to help ensure the right gear is selected at the right time. A unique transmission
calibration also includes a ‘Live in Drive’ function, meaning that the paddle shifters are always
available for manual gear selection override.
Practical Technology at Hand
Ranger Raptor comes with a host of advanced Driver Assist Technologies (DATs) at the push of
a button which are not just cutting edge, but genuinely practical for everyday use.
Leading the way in connectivity, SYNC 3 is a fully integrated, voice activation system that lets
the driver use their favourite devices while their hands stay on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The Satellite Navigation System comes into its own when off-roading in remote areas, even
offering a ‘breadcrumb’ feature to leave a trail when entering unchartered areas – perfect for the
serious off-roader.
High levels of active and passive safety have been designed-in from the outset, including the
improved Ford Stability Control incorporating Roll Mitigation Function.
Ford’s comprehensive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is also there to help in difficult
cornering and braking situations. The impressive technology suite includes Trailer Sway Control
(TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
The rear view camera displayed on the eight-inch colour LCD screen matched with the rear
parking sensors gives drivers the utmost confidence when parking anywhere.
For convenient access, an EZ Lift Tailgate uses a new rod assembly to give the owner a 66
percent reduction in initial lift force. Intelligent Access, also known as passive entry, allows the
owner to unlock, lock and start the vehicle without having to reach for their keys. Using a radio
frequency signal, the key fob allows the owner to start the vehicle with a press of a button, and
is able to activate central locking for the doors and the tailgate. In the case of a depleted battery,
a mechanical key blade is incorporated into the fob design.
An Exhilarating Driving Experience
Inheriting vital capability from the truly successful Ranger and complementing that with DNA
from the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor is set to turn heads throughout Asia Pacific and
around the world.
“It is amazing to enable this level of performance and create a vehicle that can provide off-road
enthusiasts such an adrenaline rush,” said Hameedi.
“It really is like a motocross bike, snowmobile and an ATV rolled up into a pickup truck – it’s an
incredible, awesome experience!”
The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) using Ford’s
latest state of the art manufacturing techniques and facilities.
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