Ford makes it clear who is in charge of the new pick-up: The new generation of the Ranger also serves as the basis for the upcoming VW Amarok, but the Ranger asserts itself from the start as a bad car with properties that go beyond those of a good pack donkey go out. First, the performance model called Raptor comes onto the market – and at the presentation it is allowed to jump out of a plane flying just over the runway.
The pick-up with the dinosaur in its name gets a completely new “EcoBoost” V6 engine with twin-turbo charging. The three-liter petrol engine was pushed by Ford Performance to 288 hp and a maximum torque of 491 Newton meters. Each individual gear of the standard ten-speed automatic transmission has an individual boost pressure characteristic. Also on board is an electronically controlled active exhaust gas system that can be adjusted in four stages. In addition to a normal everyday mode, there is a whisper and a slightly louder sport mode – and on top of that the particularly loud Baja mode, which is named after the Baja California desert rally and is only intended for off-road use.Racing technology in the pick-upThe engine block consists of high-density gray cast iron (75 percent stiffer than conventional gray cast iron) and is said to combine low weight with enormous robustness and reliability. Ford Performance promises a particularly spontaneous throttle response thanks to the so-called “anti-lag system”, which is intended to ensure high boost pressure 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 system was used by Ford for the first time in the Ford GT and Ford Focus ST. Compared to the previous 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with bi-turbo charging in the current Ranger Raptor with 213 hp, Ford speaks of a significant increase in performance. However, the tried-and-tested diesel will remain in the range for the upcoming versions of the new Ranger generation, which will be available from 2023.High-tech chassisThe chassis has been completely revised and now comes with some aluminum parts. In addition, the Raptor has adaptive “FOX Live Valve shock absorbers”. Special Teflon oil reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to the previous model. The race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control ensures maximum damping pressure on the last 25 percent of the suspension travel to prevent bottoming out. The system can also stiffen the rear dampers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from buckling under hard acceleration.Permanent all-wheel drive, seven driving programsAs the first Ranger, the new performance variant has permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically demand-controlled, two-stage transfer case and lockable differentials on the front and and rear axle. “Friends of forced off-road gait particularly appreciate these new features,” enthuses Ford on comfort and fuel efficiencySport – provides more feedback, for courageous driving style on paved roadsGrass/Gravel – allows dedicated driving on slippery or uneven surfacesOff-road modes:Stone/Rock – offers optimal vehicle control when driving very slowly over rocky or extremely uneven surfaces TracksSand/Snow – optimizes gear changes and power use, for safe progress on sand and deep snow.Mud/ruts – ensures maximum grip when starting and for smooth propulsion.Baja – allows off-road driving at high speeds”The Baja mode represents the ultimate level of high speed -Terrain characteristics,” Dav emphasizes e Burn, who is responsible for the Ranger Raptor at Ford Performance.Robust underrun protectionIn the event of ground contact, the Raptor is protected by a robust underrun protection made of 2.3 millimeter thick, high-strength steel. The front protective plate is almost twice as large as in the other model variants of the new Ranger generation. It protects important components such as the radiator, steering, front cross members and engine oil pan as well as the front differential from damage in rugged terrain. The engine and transfer case are also protected from “foreign contact” with special plates. The interior features “Code Orange” accents and two displays: a 12.4-inch instrument cluster and a central 12-inch touchscreen, Ford’s latest navitainment SYNC 4 controls. The 640-watt B&O sound system will have a lot to counter the exhaust system with ten speakers. The market launch is planned for the end of the year, prices have not yet been announced.
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