Ford Ranger Raptor: 13-spd tested, but 10-spd optimal

Ford Ranger Raptor: 13-spd tested, but 10-spd optimal

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

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Mohd Babjee on Feb 12, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    While people have moved to even 13 speed, we in Malaysia still syiok sendiri with outdated Campro.

    OMG, billions spent and all we have to show is the Campro which has failed Proton badly.

    I wonder what happened to Petronas GDi engines also?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 14
    • Lolz! Someone here confused between engine and gearbox. Another case of not reading the article, just the headlines then straight bash. Basher getting lazy now.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
    • Sewel on Feb 12, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      Owhhh. Campro is actually a gearbox? I just knew abt it. Thanks ya. Lolz.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Elchino on Feb 12, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Heard that a Raptor is sold at around M$180,000 in Thailand as it is taxed as a saloon car (not commercial) because this car does not have leaf springs. In Malaysia, our tax structure for twin cabs are very different thus you are able to buy one cheaper than in Thailand. I think we should be able to buy this car at below $160,000

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Navarra oso comes in multilinks but its taxed as commercial vehicle here. Our car tax structure more common sense than tomyams.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
      • Elchino on Feb 12, 2018 at 7:58 pm

        This is why you cannot get a Navarra in Thailand with a coil spring as it will then be taxed as a saloon car thereby making the price much higher than all its competitors which have leaf springs & are taxed as commercial vehicles

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • pronezz on Feb 12, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      dream.on 160k. bodoh

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
 

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