We are currently driving the Raptor on its local media launch in the Upington area so stay tuned for our driving impressions later in the week, but for now let’s take a look at some of the ins and outs.
Though not an outright performance machine, the Raptor was designed to tackle rough terrain at speed. Its heart is Ford’s brand new 2-litre twin-turbodiesel engine that was recently introduced into the facelifted Ranger line-up, and which produces 157kW and 500Nm.
But what actually sets it apart, besides the go-fast looks, is its badass chassis.
With a ground clearance of 283mm, the Raptor rides 46mm higher than regular Rangers, and it’s also kitted out with Fox Racing shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping as well as a new Watt’s linkage rear suspension with coilover springs.
Sitting snugly in the Raptor's widened fenders is a set of 17-inch wheels wearing beefy 285mm-wide BF Goodrich All-terrain tyres.
The Raptor also comes with a Terrain Management System, allowing drivers to choose between six modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, ‘Grass/Gravel/Snow’, ‘Mud/Sand’, ‘Rock’ and ‘Baja’. Yes, it’s got a Baha mode.
Racy cabin features include thickly bolstered front seats, upholstered in grippy ‘technical suede’, as well as blue stitching, unique leather accents and a bespoke steering wheel with magnesium paddle levers.
The Ranger Raptor is sold with a four-year/120 000km warranty and six-year/90 000km service plan.
