Ford’s Ranger Raptor to arrive in Europe in August
Ford has announced the arrival in Europe of the new Ranger Raptor – the toughest and most high-performing version ever of Europe’s best-selling pick-up.
Developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader, the first-ever Ranger Raptor will be available to thrill-seeking customers in Ireland from August 2019.
The new Ranger Raptor is powered by a bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 213hp and 500Nm of torque and Ford’s new 10 speed automatic gearbox.
The commanding presence delivered by the ultimate Ranger’s imposing dimensions and extreme styling is supported by a Ford Performance chassis optimised for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.
“Forget everything you think you know about pick-ups,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director, Europe. “Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions.”
The Ford Ranger is Europe’s best-selling pick-up. Ford sold 13,600 units in the first quarter of 2019, an increase of 15 per cent compared with the same period the previous year.
Built to withstand high-impact off-road events, Ranger Raptor’s unique, super-strong reinforced chassis frame uses high-strength, low-alloy steels to endure the punishment delivered by off-road racing.
Raptor’s race-bred suspension has been specifically crafted to tackle fearsome terrain at high-speed while remaining in complete control and comfort, using a 150mm wider track and 51mm taller ride height compared with the Ranger XLT.
Fox shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping provide higher damping forces at extremes for unparalleled off-road capability, and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road. Front damper travel is increased by 32 per cent, and rear travel by 18 per cent.
The high performance 2.5 inch (63.5mm) diameter dampers are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front. A bespoke new coilover rear suspension arrangement features an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement.
All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor. The 33 inch (838mm) by 11 inch (285mm) tyres offer a tough sidewall to take on the most formidable environments with confidence, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern that provides an iron grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.
“The standout experience of the Ranger Raptor, hands down, is how far you can push it off-road and still ride like a millionaire on-road,” said Damien Ross, Chief Program Engineer, Ranger Raptor, Ford Motor Company.
“Everything about the Ranger Raptor builds on the already outstanding sophisticated feel and functional capability of the Ranger, and then goes further. From a driving dynamic fun standpoint, it is really an exceptionally special vehicle.”
The unique chassis design is combined with optimised off-road geometry that delivers 283mm ground clearance and 850mm wading depth. A 32.5 degree approach angle, and ramp-over and departure angles of 24 degrees, provide impressive go-anywhere capability.
Ford engineers extensively tested the new Ranger Raptor’s powerful Bi-turbo 2.0 litre EcoBlue and 10 speed automatic powertrain to prove durability in the most fatiguing conditions, including running the high-pressure and low-pressure turbochargers until they glowed red-hot for 200 hours non-stop. The two turbochargers work in series at lower engine rpms for enhanced torque and responsiveness. At higher rpm, the larger low-pressure turbocharger delivers peak power.
Ford’s 10 speed automatic transmission is shared with the F-150 Raptor and has been created with high-strength steel, aluminium alloys and composites to optimise durability and weight. The wider ratio-span results in better acceleration, responsiveness and contributes to 8.9 l/100 km fuel-efficiency and 233g/km CO2 emissions.
Real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms help ensure the right gear is selected at the right time.
A unique transmission calibration also includes a Live in Drive function, with paddle shifters always available for manual gear selection override.
Driver assistance and safety technologies that boost confidence for drivers facing unknown off-road challenges or demanding working environments include an enhanced version of Ford stability control incorporating roll mitigation function and electronic stability control; trailer sway control; hill start assist; hill descent control and load adaptive control.