288 hp V6 power in the Ford Ranger Raptor Pickup (2022)!

Reading time 10 Min.

Powerful design, uncompromising off-road capability and proverbial reliability: the Ford Ranger Raptor has been setting standards in the pick-up segment since 2018. Under the motto "more powerful, more capable, tougher" (even stronger, even more powerful, tougher), the new generation of the striking platform truck is celebrating its world premiere today. Like its successful predecessor, the new Ranger Raptor, developed again by Ford Performance, again raises the bar in terms of off-road performance. The most powerful and robust pick-up from Ford in Europe masters ambitious journeys through rough terrain as well as obstacles on the route and it can head for destinations that would be unreachable for other vehicles. Today's Ranger Raptor premiere marks a special highlight for off-road enthusiasts in Europe and Germany, because the performance variant will be launched later this year. This makes the Raptor the first version of the new Ranger generation to hit dealerships in Europe. The new Ranger Raptor costs in Germany from 64.990 euros net (77.338 euros gross). The sales prices of the other Ranger variants will be announced in good time. They will be on the market from spring 2023.

spectacular stunt video

Ford announces the European market launch with a spectacular stunt video. In the leading role: a Ranger Raptor, which leaps out of a cargo plane and thus "lands" in time for the market launch in Europe.

Ranger is the best-selling pick-up in Europe

As in the USA and many other markets around the world, the Ford Ranger series also enjoys a large fan base in Europe: With a market share of almost 40 percent (entire year 2021), the Ranger is the best-selling pick-up in Europe. One in seven Ranger customers opts for the "Raptor" version. The new Ranger Raptor generation should build on this success. It is produced in a Ford plant in Thailand. All other variants of the new Ranger destined for Europe come from a Ford plant in South Africa.

“When developing the new generation Ranger Raptor, one goal was at the top of our brief: we wanted to create an uncompromising performance pickup truck,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance, senior program engineer for the Ranger Raptor. “The result is convincing – the new one has character and personality, looks great and comes with a multitude of new functions. It's the best Ranger we've built to date.”

More powerful: New EcoBoost V6 petrol engine – more power for even more driving pleasure

The powerful core and one of the highlights of the Ranger Raptor is the all-new EcoBoost V6 engine with twin-turbo charging. The three-liter petrol engine, optimized by Ford Performance, converts its output of 212 kW (288 hp)* and the maximum torque of 491 Newton meters into remarkable propulsion. Power is sent to the wheels via a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. Each individual gear also has an individual boost pressure characteristic. The result: the EcoBoost V6 engine of the new Ranger Raptor impresses in every situation with dynamic power delivery. The 3,0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with twin turbo is made of high-density cast iron and combines low weight with enormous robustness and reliability. The engine block is 75 percent stiffer than an engine block made from conventional gray cast iron. Thanks to fine tuning by Ford Performance experts, the engine responds spontaneously to accelerator pedal commands.

Compared to the 2,0 liter EcoBlue diesel engine with four cylinders and bi-turbo charging in the current Ranger Raptor (157 kW / 213 hp), the new power plant offers a significant increase in output. This proven 157 kW diesel remains in the range for other versions of the new Ranger generation, which will be available from spring 2023. Ford will announce details of other engines in good time before the other Ranger versions are launched. "The new three-liter V6 raises the Ford Ranger Raptor to a whole new level of dynamics that will delight even the most demanding performance fans," explains Dave Burn. "The acceleration and sheer power of the new powertrain inevitably put a satisfied smile on everyone's face."

Permanent all-wheel drive, differentials on the front and rear axles, seven driving modes

The new performance variant is the first Ranger to have permanent all-wheel drive with a new, electronically demand-controlled two-stage transfer case and lockable differentials on the front and rear axles. Friends of the forced off-road pace particularly appreciate these new features. With seven freely selectable driving programs, the new Ranger Raptor masters challenges on practically any surface. The different driving modes affected a variety of systems. This starts with the configuration of engine and transmission management, includes the response behavior and calibration of the ABS as well as traction and stability control. The control of the exhaust valve and the characteristic curves of the steering and accelerator pedal are also adapted to the relevant driving program. Depending on the setting, the displays, the vehicle information and the color of the instrument cluster and the central touchscreen also change.

Especially for the Road operation the following drive programs are available:

• Normal - designed for comfort and fuel efficiency.
• Sport - provides more feedback for courageous driving style on paved roads.
• Grass/Gravel - Allows dedicated driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The modes specifically for the Offroad-Bets are:

• Stein/Fels - offers optimal vehicle control when driving very slowly over rocky or extremely uneven roads, the systems are set to "Offroad".
• Sand/Snow - optimizes gear changes and engine performance for safe progress on sand and deep snow.
• Mud/Ruts - Provides maximum grip when starting off and consistent momentum.
• Baja - Allows off-road driving at high speeds. The anti-lag system borrowed from racing is active exclusively in "Baja" mode. It ensures that high boost pressure is present over the entire speed range. If the driver takes their foot off the gas, the throttle valve remains open for up to three seconds, thereby ensuring that the turbocharger remains revved up. This race-proven anti-lag system was used by Ford for the first time in the super sports car Ford GT and the Ford Focus ST. "Baja mode is the ultimate program for high-speed off-road driving," says Burn. "The Baja drive mode is at the core of what customers have come to expect from the Ranger Raptor."

In addition, the new Ranger Raptor has Trail Control, which is a kind of adaptive cruise control system for off-road passages. The driver simply selects a maximum speed below 32 km/h that is comfortable for him and the pick-up independently takes care of braking and acceleration - the driver can therefore concentrate fully on maneuvering through difficult terrain. "Even though the Ranger Raptor was inspired by extreme desert racers, it's still a highly capable touring vehicle and a full-fledged off-road vehicle," says Burn. "It brings every user safely to their destination and back again."

Electronically controlled: active exhaust system provides acoustic accompaniment

It doesn't matter whether it's gravel, mud, sand or rubble: the Ranger Raptor holds its own on any surface. The Ranger is considered the "bad ass" of the Ranger family. This is not only due to its design and off-road capabilities, but also to its sound. The active exhaust system with two electronically controlled flaps, which open or close depending on the selected driving mode, is responsible for the appropriate acoustic background. The soundscape can be varied thanks to four different modes. The driver selects the desired engine sound either directly by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by setting one of the drive programs:

• Quiet - in this mode, the Ford Ranger Raptor convinces with acoustic restraint and thus contributes to the preservation of neighborly peace.
• Normal – intended for everyday road traffic. The engine sound is present, but not too loud. In the normal, grass/gravel, stone/rock, sand/snow and mud/ruts driving programs, this sound profile is automatically activated after the engine is started.
• Sport – spoils sound-loving ears with a loud, dynamic engine sound.
• Low – this driving mode, named after the famous Baja California desert rally and intended only for off-road use, forms the acoustic spearhead. Opening all the flaps in the exhaust system gives the V6 a strong sonic presence - the Ranger Raptor then literally sounds like a beast.

Efficient: Superior handling thanks to extensive chassis modifications

The chassis of the new high-performance off-road vehicle has been extensively revised. New upper and lower wishbones made of aluminum are evidence of this: they are very light and yet extremely robust. In addition, the new edition of the Ranger Raptor trumps all around with ample suspension travel. The maximum suspension travel of the front wheels has increased by 20 millimeters to 256 millimeters, while the suspension travel of the rear wheels has remained unchanged at 290 millimeters compared to the Raptor predecessor. A Watt linkage is used on the rear axle of the new Ranger Raptor, which allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral (lateral) movement - this guarantees extremely confident driving behavior even when driving hard, especially through rough terrain.

The latest generation of FOX Live Valve shock absorbers enable position-dependent damping thanks to modern control technology. With a diameter of 2,5 inches, they are the largest dampers that have been used in the Ranger Raptor to date. Special Teflon oil reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to its predecessor. The race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control ensures maximum damping pressure on the last 25 percent of the suspension travel to prevent bottoming out. Likewise, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from bucking under hard acceleration. Because the dampers provide the right amount of damping in each position, the Ranger Raptor chassis remains stable on and off the road.

While the hardware comes from FOX, the tuning work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing. From adjusting the spring rates to valve tuning and fine-tuning the driving programs: everything has been done to achieve the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on and off the road. “The combination of targeted chassis modifications and the new FOX Live Valve shock absorbers gives the Ranger Raptor exceptional handling characteristics. The suspension adjusts in real-time, making it even more precise on the road. And when it comes to off-road use, the chassis irons out bumps and deep ruts better than ever before,” says Dave Burn.

The terrain features are convincing:

• Ground clearance: 272 millimeters
• Departure angle front: 32 degrees
• Departure angle rear: 27 degrees

Robust underrun protection

In addition to the high-performance chassis, the Ranger Raptor benefits from its standard, robust underbody protection when used off-road. The front protective plate is almost twice as large as in other model variants of the new Ranger generation. It consists of 2,3 millimeter thick, high-strength steel and protects important components such as the radiator, steering, front cross member and engine oil pan as well as the front differential from damage in rugged terrain. The engine and transfer case are also protected against ground contact with special plates.

Taff: flared wheel arches with 17-inch all-terrain tires

Redesigned to emphasize confidence and toughness, the new Ranger Raptor's design matches its outstanding off-road capabilities. Flared wheel arches and the C-shaped light signature on the distinctive front underline the vehicle's width. The massive FORD letter sequence in the radiator grille and the robust, separately designed bumper also have a muscular effect. Standard LED matrix headlights and LED daytime running lights achieve a light output that has not been achieved before. The main headlights are also characterized by predictive cornering lights, glare-free high beam and dynamic height adjustment.

Massive 17-inch wheels are emblazoned under the fenders. 285/70 R17 all-terrain tires from the performance segment, which are reserved exclusively for the Raptor, ensure safe contact with the road. Functional air intakes, effective aerodynamic details and two powerful, non-slip tread strips made of cast aluminum that are integrated into the rear bumper all contribute to the striking appearance. At the rear, striking LED taillights create the stylistic connection to the front end. The standard hitch is mounted in such a way that it does not adversely affect the rear departure angle. “Every part of the Ranger Raptor has a purpose,” explains Ranger Raptor Exterior Design Manager Dave Dewitt. "We already emphasize the exceptional capabilities of the Raptor through its looks."

Central 12-inch touchscreen

The striking accents on the dashboard, panels and seats in the new color "Code Orange" find their counterpart in the ambient lighting of the Ranger Raptor - it bathes the interior in a shimmering shade of amber. The high-quality leather steering wheel with a marked middle position completes the sporty feeling in the passenger compartment. Like the front seats, it can be heated, is contoured for easy grip and has shift paddles made from cast magnesium. The occupants enjoy the advantages of modern digital technologies. In addition to the 12,4-inch, all-digital instrument cluster, the Ranger Raptor has a central 12-inch touchscreen. It controls the latest Ford SYNC 4 communication and entertainment system, which connects smartphones wirelessly via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ten loudspeakers convert the output of the 640-watt B&O sound system into an impressive soundtrack, for example for off-road adventures.

New Ranger Raptor expands the powerful Ford Performance model family

The model name "Raptor" is also known to fans in North America. Ford uses this name for select high-performance pickup trucks and utility vehicles - starting with the first-generation F-150 SVT Raptor, which was tuned specifically for high speed off-road. Developed by Ford Performance, the Ranger Raptor launched the designation in various global markets including Europe in 2018, gaining a new following among die-hard off-road pickup truck enthusiasts in the process. Ford Performance recently announced the Bronco Raptor performance SUV and the limited-run Bronco DR desert racer for the North American market.

Ford is also demonstrating its motorsport know-how in the FIA ​​World Rally Championship: In January 2022, nine-time world champion Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Isabelle Galmiche won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in a Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 vehicle prepared by M-Sport. Now the all-new Ranger Raptor builds on that proud heritage as a self-developed vehicle that combines high everyday utility with driving performance never before seen in a pickup truck the size of the Ranger. “We knew customers were expecting a whole new level of performance from the upcoming Ranger Raptor. But I'm not sure if they expected the really huge leap we made. It's a real pleasure to drive this pickup and I think the performance will blow you away."

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Photo credit: Ford

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