Ford has revealed details of its most powerful Ranger – the ‘next-Gen’ Raptor. It switches to a petrol engine for the first time, a move that indicates Ford’s resolve to push the new vehicle in massive markets such as the USA, where diesel meets considerable consumer resistance.
Using a twin turbo version of Ford’s EcoBoost 3.0-litre V6, the Raptor resets the performance benchmark for double cab utes, making up to 292kW (392hp) at 5650rpm and 583Nm of torque at 3500rpm – when fed with 98 octane fuel.
Raptor is the first production ute to be sold with a factory anti-lag system. Available in the new Baja2 drive mode, the system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears when the driver gets back on the accelerator. It will be gentler in actuation than the versions used in rallying, which overfuel on a trailing throttle to produce explosive pressure against the turbo’s exhaust turbine.
The Raptor has its own version of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Each gear ratio in turn is programmed with its own boost profile and there is a driver-selectable multi-mode management system.
The ‘next-gen’ Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis compared with the coming Ranger, with Raptor-specific mountings and reinforcements for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel. Unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket all combine to ensure Next-Gen Ranger Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions.
The Raptor’s suspension is completely redesigned. There are tough, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link equipped coil-spring rear suspension designed to deliver more control across rough terrain. Like the current Raptor, the new version will feature Fox shock absorbers uniquely tuned for the vehicle.
The suspension adapts in real time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road ensuring maximum control and performance. 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.
Ranger Raptor’s ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with some serious underbody protection. Made from 2.3mm-thick high-strength steel, the front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Ranger bash plate. 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.
Dual snatch-rated tow hooks at the front and rear provide flexible recovery options while driving off-road, with the added benefit of always being able to access one of the tow hooks if the other is buried.
For the first time, 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, a feature that hardcore off-roaders will appreciate.
The seven selectable drive modes help with handling smooth roads, mud/ruts and everything in-between. Baja2 mode is engineered for high-speed off-roading, with Raptor’s electronic systems configured for ultimate performance.
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 and throttle response.

On-road
• Normal – designed for comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability.
• Sport – more responsive for spirited on-road driving.
• Slippery – for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Off-road
• Rock Crawl – provides optimal traction and momentum on loose surfaces.
• Sand – for use in soft sand and deep snow conditions, optimising power delivery and transmission shifts.
• Mud/Ruts – for maximum grip off-road during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum.
• Baja2 – tuned for high-speed off-road performance with all systems set for ‘maximum attack’.

Next-Gen Ranger Raptor also comes with Trail Control which the company says is ‘like cruise control for off-roading’. The driver simply selects a set speed (below 32km/h) and the vehicle manages acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
The new Raptor’s styling communicates its enhanced capability as an all-new ‘Built Ford Tough’ design. Emphasising the width of the pick-up are flared wheel arches, Ford truck DNA C-clamp headlamps, bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, and the bumper that’s separated from the grille.
The Matrix LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps push lighting performance to new levels. Ranger Raptor features auto dynamic levelling and speed dependent lighting that can adjust the intensity of the beam in front of the vehicle depending on the speed at which you’re travelling.
The flared fenders accommodate a muscular 17-inch wheel design wrapped in BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres. Functional vents, aero features, and tough, new-design cast aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillamps provide a signature link to the front.
As always, colour is important to Ford and its throng of devoted Ranger owners.
The ‘Precision Grey’ rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to aid the truck’s departure angle.
There are ‘Code Orange’ accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats, enhanced by Raptor’s ambient lighting, which illuminates the interior in an amber glow. A leather sports steering wheel with thumb tabs, motorsport-style ‘on-centre’ marking and cast magnesium paddle shifters completes the picture.
The Raptor has a fully digital cabin, with high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen incorporating Ford’s SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity. Compatible smartphones can be wirelessly charged using a pad at the base of the centre console. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is standard.