Ford has unveiled the all-new Ranger Raptor performance pickup that comes with improved performance as well as increased all-round technology.
Continuing the success of the original Ranger Raptor first introduced in Thailand in 2018, the second-generation model is now available with a 400hp V6 petrol engine apart from the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, along with beefed-up suspension as well as updated four-wheel-drive.
Based on the new Ranger 1-tonne truck, the 2023 Raptor gets the new C-clamp headlights, flared wheel arches and F-O-R-D lettering on the front grille.
According to Ford, the dynamic bending Matrix LED headlights in the new Raptor feature glare-free high beam as well as automatic levelling that is handy when having to carry different loads.
The Raptor also gets serious underbody protection. According to Ford, the front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Ranger and made from 2.3mm-thick high-strength steel. This bash plate, combined with the engine under shield and transfer case shield, provides protection for key components like the radiator, steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential.
Following in the tradition of the original Ranger Raptor are 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tires and cast aluminium side steps.
At the rear, highlights include LED lights as well as grey rear bumper with step pad.
The interior of the Raptor features an off-road theme, with jet fighter-inspired seats both front and rear that keep occupants in place during high-speed cornering. The steering wheel comes with leather upholstery as well as centre marking, along with cast magnesium shift paddles.
There’s a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with the latest Ford SYNC, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The interior also features Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats, which are highlighted by the amber ambient lighting.
Thailand is likely to get the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine carried over from the first-gen Ranger Raptor that pumps out 213hp at 3,750rpm and 500Nm from 1,750-2,000rpm, although a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine will be offered in other markets, for example, Australia. Tuned by Ford Performance, the new petrol engine is capable of pumping out 397hp at 5,650rpm and 583Nm at 3,500rpm.
The turbocharged V6, which is borrowed from the Bronco Raptor, comes with a graphite-iron cylinder block, which Ford says is up to 75% stronger and stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.
Meanwhile, the high-speed Baja mode in the new Ranger Raptor features an anti-lag system that keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle. This allows for faster acceleration out of corners or between gears.
It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox — each gear is programmed with its own boost profile for maximum performance. There’s also an electronically-controlled active exhaust system that amplifies engine note in four selectable drive modes — quiet, normal, sport and Baja (for off-road only).
Toughness is an important topic for the Ranger Raptor. The new model gets a unique chassis compared to the standard Ranger. A series of unique mounts and reinforcements, for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket help give the new Ranger Raptor the ability to withstand heavy off-road conditions.
The suspension is completely redesigned, with aluminium upper and lower control arms and Watt’s link rear suspension that delivers more control across rough terrain at high speeds.
New FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers fitted in the new Ranger Raptor boast Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the previous Raptor.
While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing. Ford says that everything from adjusting the spring rates to setting the ride height, valve tuning and honing the ride zones was performed to create the right balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road.
Linked to the Ranger Raptor’s revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve Internal Bypass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed.
In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare the Ranger Raptor for different conditions. As the shocks compress, different zones within the bypass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height.
To provide protection against severe bottom outs, FOX’s race-proven Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability.
The 2023 Ranger Raptor gets an advanced permanent four-wheel-drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials.
“While Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers, it’s also a supremely capable overlanding vehicle. Out of the box we’ve created an off-road vehicle that you don’t need to modify to get you where you need to go and back again safely,” Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for the Ranger Raptor, said.
There are up to seven selectable drive modes in the 2023 Ranger Raptor, including the off-road-oriented Baja mode for extreme high-speed off-roading. In this mode, electronic systems are configured for maximum performance.
“We really wanted the Baja mode to be the ultimate expression of the off-road high-speed capability,” said Burn. “It’s a feature at the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects.”
Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, throttle response and even the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen. And depending on the mode, the colour scheme of the digital displays changes to match the mode.
A cool feature is Trail Control, which is like cruise control for off-roading. The driver simply selects a set speed (less than 32kph), and the vehicle manages acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Keyword: Tough for 2023 Ford's new Ranger Raptor is better than ever