The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is Ford Performance’s ultimate performance derivative of the all-new Ranger model. Ranger Raptor combines sheer strength with mechanical and technological accuracy to deliver the most sophisticated Ranger yet, with smarter technology managing stronger, next-generation hardware.
The all-new Ranger Raptor is the first model from the Next-Gen Ranger line-up to be offered in Europe, with customer deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022.
“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for Ranger Raptor. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
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Extra power for extra performance
The advent of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine tuned by Ford Performance to deliver 288 hp and 491 Nm of torque is the greatest news for performance aficionados.
The twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine has a compacted graphite iron cylinder block, which is up to 75 percent stronger and stiffer than typical iron castings. Ford Performance ensured that the engine responds quickly to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system, similar to that used on the Ford GT road vehicle and the Focus ST, allows for quick boost delivery on demand.
The new anti-lag technology, which is only accessible in Baja mode, keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver releases the pedal, allowing for quicker acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver re-engages the throttle.
Furthermore, for optimal performance, the engine is configured with a distinct turbocharging boost profile for each of the modern 10-speed automated transmission ratios.
On gravel, dirt, mud, and sand, the Ranger Raptor’s redesigned powerplant provides smooth acceleration. An electronically controlled active exhaust system intensifies the engine note in four selectable settings to match this complete performance, allowing the Ranger Raptor to adjust its vocal character.
By activating a button on the steering wheel or choosing a driving mode that employs one of the following settings, drivers may pick their favorite engine sound:
- Quiet: prioritizes quiet above performance and sound in the early mornings to maintain peace with neighbors.
- Normal: Designed for daily usage, this profile produces a distinct exhaust tone that isn’t overly loud for street use. This profile is used by default in the driving modes Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl.
- Sport: has a more dynamic and louder tone.
- Baja: the most noticeable exhaust profile in terms of loudness and tone, with the exhaust acting more like a straight-through system in Baja mode. It’s exclusively for off-road usage.
The existing 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine will be available in the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor starting in 2023, with further information coming closer to introduction.
Enhanced equipment for on and off-road performance
When compared to the all-new Ranger, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor features a unique chassis. The C-pillar, load box, and spare wheel all have Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements, as well as specialized frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower, and rear shock bracket, ensuring the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor can endure rigorous off-road situations.
The suspension of a high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor had to be totally reworked by Ford engineers. New aluminum upper and lower control arms, long-travel front, and rear suspension, and a revised Watt’s link rear end have all been engineered to provide improved control over uneven terrain at high speeds.
“The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX® Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance,” Burn said.
The new FOX® 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers include cutting-edge control technology that allows for position-sensitive damping. These shock absorbers are the most advanced ever installed to a Ranger Raptor, and they’re packed with TeflonTM infused fluid, which decreases friction by about 50% over the previous model.
While the hardware is from FOX®, Ford Performance did the tuning and development work utilizing a combination of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing. Everything from spring rate adjustments to ride height adjustments, valve tuning, and ride zone sharpening was done to provide the ideal blend of comfort, control, stability, and traction on and off the road.
The Live Valve internal bypass system has been created in conjunction with the Ranger Raptor’s new selectable drive modes 2 to deliver greater on-road comfort and off-road ride quality at both high and low speeds.
The technology works in the background to prepare the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor for various situations in addition to working with the driving modes. As the shocks compress, various zones within the bypass system provide precisely the amount of support required for the distance being utilized, and as the shocks rebound to full height, the zones function in reverse.
Race-proven FOX® Bottom-Out Control offers maximum dampening force in the last 25% of shock travel to defend against catastrophic bottom outs. The technology may also stiffen the rear dampers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from squatting under heavy acceleration, which improves vehicle stability.
Ranger Raptor remains rooted on both the road and the track thanks to shocks that provide the optimum amount of damping force in every position.
Ranger Raptor’s ability to traverse tough terrain is bolstered by some hefty underbody armor. The front bash plate is constructed of 2.3 mm thick high-strength steel and is about double the size of the normal NextGen Ranger unit.
The radiator, steering system, front cross-member, engine sump, and front differential are all protected by this plate, which is paired with the engine under shield and transfer case shield.
The design allows access to one of the tow hooks if the other is buried, as well as the usage of balancing straps for snatch recoveries in deep sand or heavy mud.
The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor received a makeover inside and out
Ranger Raptor’s improved capabilities are matched with an all-new design that builds on the bold, powerful styling of the Next-Gen Ranger. The pickup’s breadth is highlighted by flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlights, while the prominent F-O-R-D letters on the grille and the robust separate bumper provide visual power.
Ranger Raptor’s lighting performance is pushed to new heights with matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, which include predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam, and auto dynamic leveling for enhanced visibility for Ranger Raptor drivers and other road users.
The strong 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with Raptor-exclusive performance all-terrain tires, which are hidden below the flared fenders. The truck’s appearance and utility are enhanced by functional vents, aero elements, and robust, gripping cast-aluminum side steps. The Precision Grey rear bumper has an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to prevent compromising the departure angle, while LED taillights give a distinctive stylistic connection to the front.
The interior concept continues to emphasize the Ranger Raptor’s off-road capability and high-energy personality. The front and rear seats in the interior are all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats that provide additional comfort and support during high-speed cornering.
The Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the cabin in an amber glow, matches the Code Orange highlights on the instrument panel, trim, and seats. The sporty sensation is completed with a quality leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-center marking, and cast-magnesium paddle shifters.
The high-tech cockpit has a 12.4-inch all-digital dashboard and 12-inch center touchscreen with Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A® connection and entertainment system 4, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility at no additional cost. 5 Your next excursion will be accompanied by a 10-speaker B&O® sound system 6.
