It’s been a busy couple of months for Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC). Following the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger and Everest, the company is now unveiling the Baja-inspired Ranger Raptor pick-up truck for Malaysian roads.
The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is priced at RM259,888 in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance.
The highlight of the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is its beating heart underneath the bonnet, as the souped-up truck has ditched diesel power for a raging 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. Inherited from the Bronco Raptor, the new V6 EcoBoost mill pumps out 397 hp and 583 Nm of torque, along with a more sonorous noise that’ll make all car nuts drool.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a new full-time AWD system and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. And just as before, there’s also the Raptor-exclusive Baja drive mode, which now even comes with an active exhaust system selector – Baja, of course, being the loudest and naughtiest of them all – Ford even says that it sounds almost like a straight pipe set-up!
New to the Baja drive mode is also an anti-lag system for the turbochargers, which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners when the driver steps back on the accelerator.
Additionally, the engine is also programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the transmissions’ 10 gears, which further optimises performance across the entire speed range. All in all, Ford says the all-new Ranger Raptor is “almost twice as fast as the first-generation”. And the good news is you only need regular RON95 petrol to exploit all of the performance.
Fox adaptive shocks are again standard here, featuring the brand’s latest 2.5-inch Live Valve dampers with Teflon-infused oil, tuned and developed by Ford Performance. The new dampers are paired to a toughened chassis, with additional structural reinforcements and beefier shock towers and brackets to handle the extra stress load while you jump over sand dunes.
Along with Fox’ signature Bottom-Out Control system, Ford says that the suspension set-up here is the most sophisticated ever to be fitted onto a Ranger, with all of its characteristics specifically fine-tuned to provide the “perfect balance” between on-road and off-road performance.
To go along with its performance capabilities, Ford has given the all-new Ranger Raptor an equally-fitting exterior, characterised by its flared wheel arches, unique separated bumpers both front and back, Ford Performance scuff plates, and its taller ride height.
Of course, there’s also the signature front grille with the ‘FORD’ lettering for added muscle, plus all the vents here on the bonnet and fenders are also actually functional!
In terms of equipment, you get the Matrix LED headlamps as standard, alongside the 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres, and new cast aluminium side steps.
Inside, the cabin of the Raptor closely mirrors that of the all-new Ranger, but with some added flair to match its performance credentials. These include the “jet fighter-inspired sports leather seats”, with 10-way power adjustability for the driver, all-Ebony upholstery with Code Orange accents, leather sports steering wheel with cast magnesium gearshift paddles, as well as amber ambient lighting.
The 12.4-inch instrument cluster and the 12-inch portrait-oriented centre infotainment display are standard, the latter supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and connected to an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Other standard equipment also include the e-shifter wrapped in leather, wireless Qi charging pad, as well as a 360-degree surround view monitor.
Safety wise, the all-new Ford Range Raptor in Malaysia is fitted with the marque’s latest suite of active driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, lane centring, blind spot information system, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, high-beam assist, as well as rear cross-traffic alert.
The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor will be offered in five exterior colours, including Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, as well as the new signature Code Orange colour. Included in the price is a five-year/160,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, but customers can also opt for a two-year extended warranty with PremiumCare, offering a range of additional coverages.
GALLERY
Keyword: The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is here to tear up Malaysian tarmac and more – RM260k