Ford Ranger Raptor 2023

  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant launched in Malaysia; 210 PS/500 Nm, RM249k OTR

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant launched in Malaysia; 210 PS/500 Nm, RM249k OTR

    Following the Malaysian-market launch of the 3.0L biturbo V6 petrol engined Ford Ranger Raptor, the performance-oriented double-cab pick-up truck now arrives in 2.0L biturbo diesel form, priced at RM248,888 on-the-road without insurance.

    As with its petrol-powered twin, the diesel Ranger Raptor is sold in Malaysia with a five-year, 160,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. For comparison, the 3.0L V6 petrol version of the Ranger Raptor is priced at RM259,888 on-the-road without insurance.

    The headlining difference here is the powertrain, which is the same 2.0 litre twin-turbocharged inline-four cylinder diesel engine that outputs 210 PS at 3,750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 2,000 rpm, which are identical output figures as those in the regular Ranger variants with the biturbo version of this engine.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant launched in Malaysia; 210 PS/500 Nm, RM249k OTR

    Transmission is the same as those of the biturbo diesel powertrain variants, being a 10-speed automatic. The diesel-engined Ranger Raptor gets electronic shift-on-the-fly for 4A (4WD Automatic), 2H, 4H and 4L modes. Here, the 2.0L gets an electronically controlled rear axle LSD; the petrol version gets front and rear LSDs.

    Drive modes on the diesel Ranger Raptor are comprised of Normal, Sport and Slippery for regular paved roads, and the off-road modes consist of Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud and Ruts, and Baja mode.

    Basic suspension architecture for the diesel Ranger Raptor is identical to that of the V6 petrol version, here on the diesel featuring front double wishbones with lightweight Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass dampers, aluminium upper and lower control arms in the front, and a Watts linkage coil spring setup for the rear.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant launched in Malaysia; 210 PS/500 Nm, RM249k OTR

    Rolling stock on the diesel Ranger Raptor is also shared with the V6 petrol version, boasting of 17-inch alloys wheels fitted with 285/70R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres.

    Exterior dimensions for the diesel Ranger Raptor match those of its petrol twin, measuring 5,381 mm long, 2,028 mm wide and 1,922 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,270 mm.

    Visual identifiers that set apart the diesel-fuelled Ranger Raptor from its petrol sibling are few, save for the rear end where there is a sole exhaust pipe located further inside the rear bumper as on the regular Ranger variants, whereas the 3.0L V6 Ranger Raptor is adorned with dual exhaust outlets at each end of the rear bumper.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant launched in Malaysia; 210 PS/500 Nm, RM249k OTR

    Exterior equipment on the diesel is otherwise identical to the petrol, with LED matrix headlamps featuring self-levelling alongside C-clamp shaped LED daytime running lights, powered side mirrors with puddle lamps, a fender flare over each wheel, and ‘FORD’ block lettering on the front grille.

    Further exterior features on the diesel Ranger Raptor include LED tail lamps, aluminium side steps, 2.3 mm underbody protection plates, front and rear recovery tow hooks, standard-fit bedliner, six cargo hook points, and an easy-lift tailgate.

    Moving inside, the interior of the diesel-fuelled Ranger Raptor takes after its V6 petrol sibling, where the driver gets a 12.4-inch multi-information display, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker in orange and a ‘Raptor’ logo at the base, magnesium shift paddles and an electronic gear selector.

    Slight differences between the petrol and diesel versions of the Ranger Raptor surface; while the petrol V6 gets 11-way electrically adjustable chairs for both front occupants, the 2.0L diesel here offers 10-way power adjustment for the driver, while the front passenger gets 10-way manual adjustment.

    Both however get lumbar support, and are trimmed in leather for both the front and rear seats. all four doors get grab assist handles. Joining the trim pack is a set of Raptor scheme floor mats.

    Infotainment is provided by a 12-inch, portrait-oriented touchscreen featuring Ford’s SYNC 4A interface along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, matching that of the petrol V6 version.

    Also included in the diesel Ranger Raptor are four USB charging ports (one USB-C and one USB-A in front and the rear, each), a 12-volt DC power outlet in the centre console box, and a 230-volt 400W AC outlet in the cargo bed.

    Safety kit on the diesel variant includes seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, ABS and EBD with electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a 360-degree camera system.

    Advanced driver assistance systems also include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function in traffic, AEB with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection system, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert, multi-collision brake and emergency stop signal.

    As with the 3.0L petrol biturbo V6 Ranger Raptor, the 2.0L biturbo diesel Ranger Raptor here is offered in a palette of five exterior colours – Code Orange, Absolute Black, Arctic White, Conquer Grey, and Blue Lightning. To recap, this model is offered in Malaysia with a five-year, 160,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel official images

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor review – 397 PS/591 Nm 3.0L biturbo V6 pick-up truck; worth the RM260k price?

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor review – 397 PS/591 Nm 3.0L biturbo V6 pick-up truck; worth the RM260k price?

    Launched in Malaysia earlier this month, the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor brought a considerable step up in engine outputs over those of the regular Ranger pick-up truck range, as the off-roading oriented version packs 397 PS and 591 Nm of torque from its 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and selectable four-wheel-drive.

    More often associated with rally cars, an anti-lag system also features in the powertrain of the latest Ranger Raptor. Activated through the Baja mode, this keeps the turbochargers spinning off-throttle for up to three seconds to enable quicker response when the driver gets back on the power afterwards.

    The more prolific powertrain joins a more beefed-up chassis and body ensemble as well, given its off-road performance slant; the underbody of the Ranger Raptor gets a steel bash plate that is 2.3 mm thick for the protection of crucial components, and is twice the size of the item installed on the standard Ranger.

    2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – click to enlarge

    Reinforced areas for the Ranger Raptor over the regular Ranger include the frame structure, front suspension towers, rear suspension brackets and more. For added off-roading capability, the Ranger Raptor also gets Trail Control, which is essentially a type of cruise control for off-road use which operates up to 32 km/h, leaving just the task of steering to the driver as the system handles throttle and braking.

    Off-road prowess is further bolstered in the 2022 Ranger Raptor with Bottom-Out Control, which prevents the rear end of the vehicle from squatting under hard acceleration and aiding control at the front end as a result. The system does this by stiffening the rear dampers in the last 25% of their travel. By the way, we’ve also compiled a list of the five key features in the Ranger Raptor; check them out here.

    We’ve also had a go in it, as our man Eu Jin has sampled the high-performance dual-cab pick-up truck in Brisbane, Australia, taking it through its paces both on tarmac as well as on dirt paths. Is it worth the RM259,888 asking price here in Malaysia? Watch our review of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor here, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

    GALLERY: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor – five sportscar-like features you wouldn’t have expected to get in a pick-up truck!

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor – five sportscar-like features you wouldn’t have expected to get in a pick-up truck!

    The all-new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor recently arrived in Malaysia with a price tag of RM259,888, complete with a five-year/160,000km manufacturer’s warranty. While that may seem like a lot to pay for a pick-up truck, there’s more than meets the eye with the new Ranger Raptor.

    If the words ‘Ranger Raptor’ were not written on the spec sheet or brochure, it could’ve easily fooled you for a new thoroughbred performance car by Ford. Heck, it might as well be as these are a few of the cool, sportscar-like features you’d never expect a pick-up truck to have.

    Rally car-style turbo anti-lag system – instant torque!

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor – five sportscar-like features you wouldn’t have expected to get in a pick-up truck!

    Aside from headlining the news as the most powerful production Ranger ever with 397 PS and 583 Nm of torque from its new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, the Raptor also gets a revised 10-speed automatic gearbox. But that’s not all, as a new drive mode has been introduced and its name alone induces excitement – Baja.

    Select it and everything from the engine and transmission, down to the suspension goes into its sportiest setting but there’s more. In Baja Mode, the turbochargers will continue spinning for an additional three seconds after the driver has lifted off the throttle. If the driver gets back on the accelerator within that time, the Raptor is able to deliver instant torque for even more responsive acceleration – just like a rally car!

    Active valve exhaust system – Quiet mode to be neighbour-friendly, Baja Mode for max volume

    If you’re reading this, it’s very likely that you can identify and appreciate the bellow of a V6 engine, so it would be a crime to not let the twin-turbocharged unit in the Raptor sing. Ford clearly understands this and as such, has fitted an active valve exhaust system in the new Raptor, featuring an X-pipe and electronically-controlled valves to offer different exhaust notes.

    It may look discreet, but the noise it makes is anything but. You even get different modes for the exhaust – Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja – with Baja being the loudest. These modes can be selected via a dedicated button on the steering wheel. Yes, we’re still talking about a pick-up truck.

    Fox adaptive dampers – soft for extra comfort or stiff for more control at a push of a button

    Fox dampers are not uncommon to the Raptor as the previous generation model was already fitted with them. With the new Raptor, however, comes an even more advanced Fox adaptive suspension with new 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. These are filled with Teflon-infused oil for 50% less friction for an even smoother ride.

    There are even sensors to monitor the driver’s input and road condition 500 times a second to adjust the damping rates accordingly, in order to deliver the best possible ride in all driving conditions. Ford said it’s the most sophisticated dampers ever fitted in a Ranger.

    Bottom-Out Control System – leave the squatting at the gym

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor – five sportscar-like features you wouldn’t have expected to get in a pick-up truck!

    Part of what makes the Fox dampers the most sophisticated ever in a Ranger is the Bottom-Out Control system it features. As the name suggests, the race-proven system essentially prevents the rear end from squatting under hard acceleration. The fact that this is fitted to the Ranger Raptor in itself says a lot about the performance on offer here, doesn’t it?

    The system works by stiffening the rear dampers in the last 25% of travel. Less squat at the rear, more control at the front end, more power on the road. You see where we’re getting with the Raptor, don’t you?

    Trail Control system – have you ever heard of cruise control for off-road use? Now you have.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor – five sportscar-like features you wouldn’t have expected to get in a pick-up truck!

    As aptly highlighted by Ford, the Ranger Raptor may be inspired by desert racers but it also ‘excels at the slow stuff’. It may not be a ‘sportscar-like’ feature, but it’s too unique to not mention. The Trail Control system is essentially like cruise control but for off-roading.

    By simply selecting the Trail Control icon on the Tesla-style 12-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, the system is activated and can operate at up to 32 km/h. The speed can be set by the driver from the steering wheel like you would with a regular cruise control system. The driver is only required to steer the car while acceleration and braking are managed by the car. The feature also works for hill descends as well.

    All that said, there’s only so much about the Raptor we can convey through words but from what was mentioned, don’t you think the Ranger Raptor is more sportscar than pick-up?

     
     
  • 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 397 PS, 583 Nm, Baja Mode, RM260k

    2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 397 PS, 583 Nm, Baja Mode, RM260k

    Sime Darby Auto Connexion has launched the new Ford Ranger Raptor, following the launch of the all-new Ranger in July. It’s priced RM259,888 on-the-road without insurance and is accompanied by a five-year/160,000km manufacturer’s warranty, whichever comes first. Customers can opt for a two-year extended warranty with PremiumCare offering a range of coverages.

    The main highlight of the Raptor is the new 3.0 litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine which produces a whopping 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm at 3,500 rpm, figures that make the Raptor the most powerful production Ranger ever. The engine block is made of compacted graphite iron that’s 75% stronger than traditional iron castings. It is also the same material used in Ford’s NASCAR engines.

    There’s no official 0-100 km/h acceleration time quoted anywhere yet, but Australian media have reportedly managed a 5.8 second time during a test.

    If that isn’t impressive enough, the Raptor also comes with an anti-lag system. Activated through the Baja Mode, the system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts off the throttle. This allows quicker and more responsive power delivery when the driver gets back on the accelerator.

    2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 397 PS, 583 Nm, Baja Mode, RM260k

    Alongside the most aggressive Baja mode, there are six other drive modes available including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. Allowing the V6 engine to sing at higher notes is an active valve exhaust system featuring an X-pipe and electronically-controlled valves to deliver different exhaust notes. There are four exhaust modes – Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja – and can be selected with a dedicated button on the steering wheel.

    The V6 engine is paired to a revised 10-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox where each gear is programmed with its own boost profile. The new Ranger Raptor is now equipped with Fox adaptive suspension with new 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. The absorbers are filled with Teflon-infused oil for 50% reduced friction from before.

    There are sensors in place to monitor road conditions and the drivers input 500 times a second to adjust the damping rates accordingly. The adaptive Fox absorbers also come with a race-proven Bottom-Out Control system that provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of damper travel. The system can stiffen the rear absorbers to prevent the Raptor from squatting (at the rear) under hard acceleration. The Ford says it’s the most sophisticated dampers ever fitted on a Ranger.

    The Raptor’s chassis has also been enhanced with a reinforced frame structure, stronger front shock towers, and rear shock brackets to withstand harsh off-road conditions. Also new is a unique spare tyre mount. The new Raptor now features lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, along with a Watts link coil spring suspension system at the rear.

    The underbody now gets additional protection from a 2.3 mm thick steel front bash plate that’s double the size of a standard Ranger. The bash plate along with the engine and transfer case covers help protect key components such as the radiator, steering rack, engine sump, and front differential.

    For the first time, the Ranger Raptor gets an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. It also gets front and rear locking differentials which can be operated on-the-go from the infotainment screen.

    2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 397 PS, 583 Nm, Baja Mode, RM260k

    Additionally, the Raptor is also equipped with Trail Control which is essentially a cruise control feature for off-roading. The system operates up to speeds of 32 km/h, managing acceleration and braking while the driver is only required to steer the car.

    As for dimensions, the Raptor measures 5,381 mm in length, 2,028 mm in width, 1,922 mm in height with a 3,270 mm wheelbase, and 272 mm ground clearance. For off-roading, it has a 32-degree approach angle, and up to a 27-degree departure angle. The Raptor’s wading depth is up to 800 mm while kerb weight is 2,430 kilograms. The front end is now fitted with Matrix LED headlamps with C-clamp LED daytime running lights.

    The Matrix headlamps feature predictive curve lights, glare-free high beams, and auto dynamic levelling to improve forward visibility without glaring at the oncoming traffic. It can even adjust the intensity of the beam depending on the speed of the vehicle.

    The air vents by the front fenders and front hood are actually functional. The Ranger Raptor is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres. Both side mirrors are fitted with cameras and puddle lamps, while the new taillamps feature an integrated blindspot radar. Unlike before, the new Raptor prominently shows off its dual exhaust tips while the cargo bed comes with a 12V socket and 230V three-pin socket.

    What may not be obvious is the third brake light which is now positioned on the tailgate instead of being mounted above the rear windscreen before. Unlike the previous Raptor, the tailgate also features Ranger indentations. In terms of colour options, the Ranger Raptor can be had in the new Code Orange, in addition to Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning, and Conquer Grey.

    If you’re not tired of reading about the Ranger Raptor yet, there’s a myriad of toys to further explore inside the car. For starters, you get a pair of F22 fighter jet-inspired bucket seats with splashes of the Raptor’s signature Code Orange.

    2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia – 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol, 397 PS, 583 Nm, Baja Mode, RM260k

    Both seats come with 11-way powered adjustments, with lumbar support as standard. Aside from the magnesium paddle shifters, the steering wheel also comes with buttons to adjust the suspension, exhaust, and steering wheel. There’s even an ‘R’ button that serves as an individual mode. Up ahead is a high-resolution 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster while to the side is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A system.

    Standard features include a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, 360-degree surround view monitor, ambient lighting, four USB ports (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C), and the most noteworthy of all, an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Unlike before, the Ranger Raptor now comes with dashboard storage and a new door lever mechanism.

    A new e-shifter and electric parking brake free up extra storage space on the centre console but that’s not all. The e-shifter also works hand-in-hand with the auto-parking feature where all the driver needs to do is hold on to the auto-park button and the Raptor will steer, accelerate, reverse and brake on its own. Above the front passengers is an overhead panel with six auxiliary switches for off-road lighting, air compressors and other accessories. Each switch can be hooked up to power a different electronic.

    Safety features include seven airbags including curtain and driver knee airbag, pre-collision assist, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, a blindspot monitor with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping system with road edge detection, lane centering, adaptive cruise control with stop-go, and active park assist.

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 petrol V6 is RM19k or 8% more expensive than old 2.0 turbodiesel in Australia

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 petrol V6 is RM19k or 8% more expensive than old 2.0 turbodiesel in Australia

    Ford has announced pricing for the new Ford Ranger Raptor in Australia, where the high-performance pick-up truck will be sold at AU$85,490 (RM269,200). This makes it AU$6,100 (RM19,200) more expensive than the outgoing Raptor X, which came with the same 2.0 litre twin-turbocharged turbodiesel as the Wildtrak.

    By contrast, the new model will be offered Down Under with a new 3.0 litre biturbo petrol V6, which produces 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm – 184 PS and 83 Nm more than the old oil burner. The same engine is fitted to the Thai Raptor, which also received a 140,000 baht (RM17,600) hike to 1,869,000 baht (RM234,800). It remains to be seen if Malaysia will get the petrol or diesel engine, the choice of which will likely influence the price.

    The Raptor is also fitted with a new active exhaust, a ten-speed automatic gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive with a new electronic transfer case, front and rear locking differentials and revamped suspension. The latter features aluminium upper and lower control arms and adaptive versions of the Fox dampers with 2.5-inch internal bypass Live Valves. Trail Control, a form of off-road cruise control, is also standard.

    On the outside, the Raptor gets the same new design as other Ranger models, replete with Maverick-style C-clamp headlights, a larger grille, flared fenders and three-dimensional LED taillights. As usual, the sportier model adds the Ford script on the grille, wheel arch extensions, front fender vents and beefy bumpers and front skid plate, while a new vented bonnet has also been thrown on.

    As standard, the Raptor rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and knobbly BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres. Unique to the Australian (and New Zealand) markets are beadlock rollers that prevent the tyres from slipping on the rim; they cost a heady AU$2,000 (RM6,300).

    Inside, the Ranger’s rugged-looking cabin, 12.4-inch digital instrument display, 12-inch portrait touchscreen and stubby electronic gearlever are joined by the Raptor’s lurid orange highlights, including on the F-22 Raptor-inspired seats and steering wheel 12 o’clock marker. Also fitted are magnesium paddle shifters and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor to get 2.0L biturbo diesel instead of 3.0 V6 turbo petrol in selected markets

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor to get 2.0L biturbo diesel instead of 3.0 V6 turbo petrol in selected markets

    With the debut of the second gen Ford Ranger Raptor, the Blue Oval’s performance division mid-sized pick-up truck has been earmarked to feature both the headlining 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine as well as the 2.0 litre biturbo-diesel unit that serves elsewhere in the Ranger line-up.

    “The V6 petrol was always the motor for the [Ranger] Raptor for this generation of the vehicle, but [we recognise] there will still be customers that want the [economy of diesel fuel]. And so, the other end of the bandwidth the biturbo four-cylinder diesel in some markets is actually going to continue,” said Ford Ranger Raptor chief programme engineer Dave Burn.

    “Not in Australia, but for some markets where a V6 isn’t appropriate, the biturbo four-cylinder diesel will continue,” Burn continued, referring to the 2.0 litre biturbo diesel that makes 213 PS and 500 Nm.

    For reference, the 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine in the Ranger Raptor produces 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive.

    Thailand also gets the 3.0 litre V6 version of the Ranger Raptor, so there might be a chance that Malaysia might get the more powerful V6 version instead of the four cylinder diesel.

    Which would you prefer in the Malaysian spec Ranger Raptor – the V6 petrol or the four pot diesel?

    GALLERY: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor on sale in Thailand; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 petrol with 397 PS/583 Nm – RM234k

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor on sale in Thailand; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 petrol with 397 PS/583 Nm  – RM234k

    The latest gen Ford Ranger Raptor has gone on sale in Thailand, where the performance flagship of the Ranger pick-up range is produced, and priced at 1,869,000 baht (RM233,804).

    Headlining the specifications list for the Thai-market Ranger Raptor is the 3.0 litre EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine, which is listed as producing the full outputs of 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.

    These outputs are sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive with a new electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, with a locking differential on each axle.

    A plethora of drive modes are offered; on-road modes include Normal, Sport and Slippery, while for off-road there are Rock Crawl (maximum traction and momentum on looser surfaces), Sand, Mud and Ruts, and the Baja off-road “race” mode. There is also Trail Control, essentially a form of cruise control for off-road driving that works up to 32 km/h, and is aimed at helping the driver when there is difficult terrain to navigate.

    Suspension for the 2023 Ranger Raptor has been completely redesigned, with lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms; the adaptive Fox dampers are the 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass items with Teflon-infused oil which reduce friction by 50% compared to those on the previous model.

    The Fox setup also includes a Bottom-Out control system that prevents the vehicle from squatting under acceleration. Meanwhile, rolling stock on the 2023 Ranger Raptor is a set of BFGoodrich K02 tyres measuring 285/70R17.

    On the exterior of the Ranger Raptor, standard equipment includes matrix LED adaptive headlamps, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED front foglamps and tail lamps, automatic rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable and folding side mirrors, wheel arch extensions, aluminium side steps with anti-slip coating, 12-volt and 230-volt power outlets in the tailgate floor, and the EasyLift tailgate mechanism.

    Inside, standard interior equipment for the 2023 Ranger Raptor is comprised of a 12.4-inch colour instrument display, a 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen with Sync 4A connectivity including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports as well as a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

    Safety kit includes seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, ABS, EBD and stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert and braking, a 360-degree view camera system, reverse braking assist, evasive steering assist, active park assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

    Four exterior colours are offered for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor in Thailand – these are Absolute Black, Arctic White, Code Orange and Conquer Grey.

    GALLERY: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

     
     
  • 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled – 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 397 PS, 583 Nm; 10-spd auto, B&O sound system!

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled – 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 397 PS, 583 Nm; 10-spd auto, B&O sound system!

    Ford has, at long last, unveiled the much anticipated Ranger Raptor. The second-generation Ford Performance mid-size pick-up truck is in every way an upgrade from before, so let’s skip the potatoes and talk about the new big boy lurking under the bonnet.

    Powering the new Ranger Raptor is a 3.0 litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine taken from the Bronco Raptor, developing a whopping 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm (for Europe, it’s detuned to 288 PS and 491 Nm). This is a massive boost compared to the outgoing 2.0 litre bi-turbo EcoBlue diesel mill, which makes 213 PS and 500 Nm.

    The new V6 has cylinder blocks made from compacted graphite-iron, which Ford says is 75% stronger and up to 75% stiffer than a conventional cast iron unit. The turbochargers feature a race-derived anti-lag system to ensure rapid boost delivery on demand. For example, in Baja mode, the turbos can continue spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, but they can get back on the gas and still have peak throttle response and propulsion.

    Ford Performance chief engineer for the Ranger Raptor, Dave Burn says the new pick-up is “significantly faster” this time, blending sheer raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.

    2023 Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled – 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 397 PS, 583 Nm; 10-spd auto, B&O sound system!

    On a 10 km test track, the new Ranger Raptor performs a full minute quicker than the older Raptor, which is no small feat. “The 3.0L V6 brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,” he adds. “It’s hot hatch-fast, on dirt!”

    The automaker will still offer the 2.0 litre biturbo diesel for selected markets, though it’s unclear whether the reworked four-pot will make more power than before. This is the same engine used on the regular Ranger variants, but the Raptor will get its own power profile, just like the outgoing model.

    As before, it gets a 10-speed automatic transmission (with adaptive shift scheduling), but specially calibrated such that each gear has its own boost profile. Selectable on-road drive modes include Normal, Sport and Slippery, while off-road modes comprise of Rock Crawl (maximum traction and momentum on looser surfaces), Sand, Mud and Ruts, and the famous Baja off-road “race” mode.

    Like the Bronco Raptor, there are active valves in the exhaust system (2.5-inch twin pipes) as well, complete with four sound profiles – Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja – that can be chosen via the “R” button on the steering wheel. According to Ford, the exhaust behaves like a “straight-through” system in Baja mode, but is intended for off-road use only. Sure…

    To make sure the Ranger Raptor can handle both the extra firepower and off-road abuse, the chassis is greatly strengthened with unique mounts and structural reinforcements. Even the shock tower and rear shock brackets are much beefier this time to cope with the stress loads.

    The suspension is completely redesigned with lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms. The adaptive Fox shocks are the latest 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass absorbers filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduce friction by around 50% compared to the previous Raptor. These shocks are the most sophisticated units ever fitted on a Ranger.

    Rebound characteristics, spring rates, ride height and valve tuning are all specially tuned to provide the best balance between on-road and off-road performance. The Raptor is now more planted and stable on paved roads, and Fox’s progressive Bottom-Out Control system prevents the pick-up from squatting under hard acceleration. There’s also a Watt’s linkage at the back.

    For the first time, there’s an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. Both axles also get locking differentials, plus a new Trail Control, which is basically cruise control but for off-roading. It’s operable to a maximum speed of 32 km/h, and can be engaged when drivers want full concentration on manoeuvring challenging terrains.

    In terms of design, the Raptor is evidently a Ranger on steroids. The bonnet is vented, the Ford lettering on the grille is bolder, and the wheel arches are flared out to accommodate the wider 17-inch wheels (beadlock wheels are available only for the Australian and New Zealand markets) with 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres.

    It features matrix LED headlights with dynamic bending lights and C-clamped DRLs as standard, LED tail lights, as well as redesigned Raptor-branded cast aluminium side steps. There’s some serious underbody protection too, courtesy of the 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel bash plate. This protects key components like the radiator, steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential.

    Functional bits include twin-rated tow hooks at the front and back for recovery, but details regarding towing and loading capacities have yet to be released.

    Inside, the Raptor is kitted with all the latest toys such as the 12.4-inch customisable digital instrumentation, massive 12-inch portrait touchscreen display with SYNC 4A connectivity (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard), Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, an electronic shifter and parking brake.

    There’s a premium grade leather sports steering wheel with magnesium shift paddles and Raptor branding at the bottom, F22 fighter jet-inspired sports seats, and Code Orange accents all around, including a 12 o’ clock marker on the steering wheel. The ambient lights also cast an amber glow throughout the cabin.

    Also available are six overhead-mounted auxiliary power switches. This handy system provides power for off-road lighting, air compressors or any other accessories that require power. Each switch can be hooked up to service a separate system, meaning you’ll be able to power six devices.

    Ford didn’t go into details regarding the Raptor’s driving aids, but it did say the new pick-up was designed with the intent to set a high bar in driver assist technologies. Expect a minimum of Level 2 autonomous driving, no less.

    “We knew that customers would expect improved performance with the next-gen Ranger Raptor, but I’m not sure they’re really expecting the enormous leap we’ve made. It’s a seriously fun car to drive and I think the raw performance is going to blow them away,” Burn said. Production will take place in Thailand, and first deliveries are expected to begin later this year. Pray we get the V6, boys and girls!

     
     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

PETROL
RON 95 RM2.05 (0.00)
RON 97 RM3.47 (0.00)
RON 100 RM5.00
VPR RM6.20
DIESEL
EURO 5 B10 RM2.15 (0.00)
EURO 5 B7 RM2.35 (0.00)
Last Updated Apr 18, 2024