We imagine what the new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor could look like and put together the details ahead of its debut this month.
Since Ford has finished showing off its new generation Ranger, attention is now right on the new Ranger Raptor.
Following on from an early teaser that lets us listen to the engine of the new Raptor, Ford has now confirmed an official unveiling on 22 February at 6:00pm (AEST) and showed yet another teaser clip.
This time, it seems certain that the Ranger Raptor will get a twin-turbo V6 and upgraded live valve suspension.
But first, we put together bits from the latest Ranger and F-150 Raptor to render what we can expect.
Upfront is the obvious Raptor grille, complete with the F-150’s unique triple-LED lighting. The C-shaped LED headlights have been tinted a little and there’s also an indicator light on the front wheel flares.
Underneath is the usual bashplate and bespoke bar that help for off-roading performance. Likewise, there are steel steps down the side and easily recognisable 17-inch black alloy wheels under the flared guards. We wonder if this design will be updated, but the previous iteration ran on 285/70 BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tyres which is a solid choice.
Ford has not given any details away on the new Raptor yet except for its sound in the latest video (above), which certainly purrs like a V6 petrol turbo engine. The most likely candidate for this will be same 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 found in the Bronco Raptor, producing around 300kW and 560Nm – much more than the previous Ford Ranger with its 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel. The power will be a good match to the Raptor’s Baja-racing origins, and of course, the same sort of Baja mode found in the out-going Raptor.
Also expect a similar focus on the chassis, with a Watt’s link suspension setup completely different to normal Rangers and providing great articulation with suspension that can take a fast-paced pounding over the dunes.
From the latest video, it appears that the suspension might have been upgraded to the newer Fox 3.0 coil-over live valve shocks that are used in the larger Ford F-150 Raptor. Similar suspension is shown with a side-valve lower down the shocker during an underbody shot.
Ford will reveal the new Ranger Raptor on February 22 2022 at 6:00pm, and while we will get to officially see it then, we still might not know many specific details. However, with Australia such a strong market it could launch here this year.
Alex Rae
Keyword: New Ford Ranger Raptor V6 imagined