The ultimate version of Ford’s top-selling turbo-diesel double cab ute, the Ranger Raptor is on its way here later this year with an RRP of $84,990+ORCs.
The Ranger Raptor will lead the 2018 Ranger line-up and be offered in other markets around the world, just as Ranger is offered in more than 180 countries. Ranger Raptor will showcase Ford design and engineering expertise in conjunction with Ford Performance Raptor DNA that builds on Ford’s strong truck heritage.
“Kiwis love the Ranger, and there have been calls for a vehicle like the Ranger Raptor for some time,” said Ford NZ MD Simon Rutherford. “The Ford design and engineering team has worked incredibly hard with Ford Performance on this truly unique program to deliver a product that will live up to the Raptor DNA, and the high expectations of New Zealanders.”
A force to be reckoned with…
Leveraging Ford’s engineering experience in building tough trucks and global engineering expertise in performance vehicles, the Ranger Raptor is an extremely capable off-roader built on customer feedback from Ford’s performance and truck products, both in New Zealand and around the globe.
It is made for off-road enthusiasts who appreciate an outdoor lifestyle and seek out the most extreme terrain, demanding an authentic, truly capable vehicle that sets them apart from other off-roaders. Ranger Raptor is the result of this vision.
Equipped like no other
The Ranger Raptor will be offered as a single specification, featuring an all-new powertrain, advanced suspension and unmatched capability as the first Ford Performance ute offered in New Zealand.
Ford Performance Raptor DNA begins with the Ranger Raptor’s aggressive stance, unique front and rear bumpers and 33-inch diameter BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres.
Underneath the skin, Ranger Raptor’s race-bred long travel suspension with Fox Shox, aluminium upper and lower control arms, heavy duty skid-plates and underbody protection, which – combined with a unique chassis – enables it to be the most capable off- road Ford Ranger. This includes wider front and rear tracks, greater ride height, increased approach and departure angles, as well as water wading capability that’s enhanced to 850mm^.
All-new engine
The Ranger Raptor will be powered by a new-generation two-litre, four-cylinder Bi-Turbo diesel engine producing 157kW/500Nm through a 10-speed automatic with magnesium paddle shifters for high performance capability.
Drive is transferred to the ground via a unique six-mode Terrain Management System (TMS), which includes low - and high- range four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential and a unique Baja mode, exclusive to the new Raptor, which offers the ultimate off-road performance settings.
The all-new model also gets a host of convenience features as standard, including smart keyless entry, push-button start and a power tailgate lock. SYNC 3 with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen and standard sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also standard.
The interior, meanwhile, features exclusive leather-accented bucket seats, and a unique instrument cluster with its own start-up display behind a Raptor-embossed steering wheel with competition-spec ‘straight ahead’ marking.
“This is a fully warranted, factory performance vehicle,” said Ranger Raptor Chief Program Engineers, Damien Ross. “While Raptor DNA calls for extreme performance, the vehicle must meet the regulations, demands and expectations in terms of ownership experience that all of our products are measured by. That’s no mean feat.”
To read every story in the June 2018 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (May 18) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.
