397 HP Ford Ranger Raptor debuts at 2022 Bangkok International Motor Show
Earlier this year, Ford surprised the motoring world when they unleashed the all-new Ranger Raptor. First launched for the European market, the high-performance pick-up not only received a brand new look, but it also packs a new twin-turbo V6, upgraded suspension, full-time 4WD capability, and a more aggressive interior.
After making its world debut last February, the high-performance pick-up is now in ASEAN. Revealed at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show, the 2022 Ranger Raptor packs plenty of punch, and then some.
Starting with its dimensions, the Ranger Raptor measures 5360mm long, 2028mm wide, 1926mm tall, and has a 3270mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the new pick-up is 38mm shorter in length but is 53mm taller. It also has a longer wheelbase that’s 50mm more than the previous generation. Width, on the other hand, remains the same.
For those that will take the Raptor off-road, they will be glad to know the pick-up has 272mm of ground clearance and can wade through waters as high as 850mm. As far as towing is concerned, Ford claims the Ranger Raptor has a maximum towing capacity of 2500 kg.
As mentioned earlier, the Thai-spec Raptor comes with a beefy 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. It replaces the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that made 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The new six-cylinder engine cranks out an impressive 397 PS along with 583 Nm of pulling force. Power is then sent to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Helping the Ranger Raptor conquer any terrain comes courtesy of an upgraded suspension system. It gets new Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass dampers. Each damper is filled with Teflon-infused oil that Ford says reduces friction by around 50%. Complementing the new dampers are new tough, yet lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension, and a refined Watt’s Link rear end.
For the first time, the Ranger Raptor is fitted with a full-time 4WD system with a new electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case. It even gets front and rear locking differentials for extra traction when the need arises. A total of 7 selectable driving modes help the driver overcome any terrain. On-road, there are three modes to choose from; Normal, Sport, and Slippery. When going off-road, there are four available modes; Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Baja. There’s also an off-road cruise control called Trail Control as an extra feature.
Like the Raptor revealed in Europe, the Thai-spec pick-up gets new C-shaped matrix LED headlight clusters, flared wheel arches, bold F-O-R-D- lettering on the grille, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, cast-aluminum side steps, and a rear bumper with integrated step and tow bar.
Climbing aboard, the high-performance 4×4 comes with jet-inspired sports seats that were designed to increase riding comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering. There are also neat Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, cabin trim, seat accents, and aircon vents that give the interior a sportier vibe. And just like the regular Ranger, there’s a new tablet-inspired touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument panel.
With the 2022 Ranger Raptor now available in Thailand, we can expect Ford Philippines to launch the high-performance pick-up, along with the regular Ranger very soon. The only question now is, will we get the twin-turbo V6?
Keyword: 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor lands in ASEAN with EcoBoost V6