Ford has “confirmed” the new Ranger Raptor would be sold in Europe – as if it wouldn’t – after launching the toughest and most high-performing version yet at the Gamescom trade fair, in Cologne, Germany.
The model will be sold pretty much worldwide – including (eventually) the US which starts with auto-only 2.3-litre turbo I4 petrol models – with the usual detail variations such as powertrains. Europe will get a bi-turbo version of the two-litre, EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 213PS and 500Nm of torque plus a new 10-speed automatic gearbox.
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The Ford Performance chassis is optimised for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.
Ford and Microsoft said the new truck will feature in the new Forza Horizon 4 video racing game and the automaker was the first to launch a new vehicle at Gamescom – Europe’s biggest event of its kind.
“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.”
Fox shock absorbers with position sensitive samping provide higher damping forces at extremes for off-road capability and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road.
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By GlobalDataThe high performance dampers with 46.6mm pistons are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front and a bespoke new coilover rear suspension arrangement featuring an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. Braking is by twin-piston front callipers; 332mm by 32mm ventilated front discs; and 332mm by 24mm ventilated rear discs.
All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have been specially developed for the truck. Measuring 838mm in diameter and 285mm wide, the design offers a tough sidewall to take on the most formidable environments with confidence, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern, which provides an iron grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.
The Raptor also has unique underbody protection to deflect off-road obstacles. The new bash plate is made from 2.3mm thickness high-strength steel in addition to the standard engine and transfer case under-shields.
The grille mimics that of the North American F-150 Raptor and a new front bumper also includes LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts that improve air flow around the body.
F|lared composite front fenders are to designed to minimise damage from off-road usage, and allow for longer suspension travel and oversized tyres. The side step boards are designed specifically to prevent rock spray from hitting the rear of the truck, and feature drain points for sand, mud and snow.
Bolstered cabin seats are specially designed for off-road high speed support with a dual-firmness cushion for ultimate comfort and suede-effect materials for enhanced grip.
The truck has six terrain management system modes to tackle a wide range of terrain and driving scenarios.
Driver assistance and safety technologies include an enhanced stability control incorporating roll mitigation function; and electronic stability control; trailer sway control; hill start assist; hill descent control; and load adaptive control.
