The Ford Ranger Raptor is the first recipient of a 10-speed automatic transmission in the Ranger line-up, but apparently Ford engineers even admitted to looking at seven speeds, nine speeds and even 12 and 13 speed transmissions to see what is truly optimal for the high-performance pick-up truck.
John Fallu, transmission and driveline engineering manager for Ford Asia Pacific, told CarAdvice that the 10-speed auto was chosen because it meets “both our (Ford’s) refinement and performance benchmarks,” and that the “torque converter is selected specifically for trying to meet – and improve – the launch performance of the engine, so as to meet customer expectations.”
“We actually did simulations during the exhaustive testing process for the optimum number of gear ratios for a rear-wheel drive truck of this size and power,” Fallu explained to the Australian publication.
“The ratios are very evenly steeped, so the total span is a 7.4 gear ratio span in the transmission for a less perceptible shift characteristic. What we were looking for is that uniform shift feel as you’re going up through the gears. As far as refinement goes, it’s just incredible. Even the shift busy-ness you would expect from more gear shifts just isn’t perceptible, because it’s just so smooth in that regard – almost imperceptible, and there’s even rev-matching on the downshifts,” he added.
Both the F-150 and Ranger Raptor share the same 10-speed automatic, which we know is capable of handling close to 700 Nm of torque – the Ford F-150 Raptor‘s high-output 3.5 litre EcoBoost V6 makes 456 PS and 691 Nm of torque. Will this engine find its way to the Ranger Raptor? Most likely not, but US-bound Raptors could benefit from a peppier 2.7 litre EcoBoost V6, making 325 hp and 508 Nm of torque.
GALLERY: 2018 Ford Ranger Raptor world debut in Bangkok
