Publications
Partners
• First-ever Ford Ranger Raptor in SA
• Exceptional off-road capabilities
• Muscular exterior styling with 283mm ground clearance, 150mm wider track
• Race developed FOX shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping (PSD)
• Specially developed BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres
• Enhanced Ford Performance interior with sports seats
• High-performance 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine (157kW/500Nm)
• New 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• Innovative Terrain Management System includes exciting, ultra-responsive Baja mode
As one of the most highly-anticipated bakkies for 2019, the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is now available in South Africa.
Compared to the standard Ranger it boasts 51mm taller ride height, 283mm ground clearance, 150mm wider front and rear track and 850mm wading depth. A 32.5-degree approach angle, and ramp-over and departure angles of 24 degrees, provide impressive off-road capability.
At the front it sports an aggressive grille with the big bold FORD block lettering.
The front fenders are made from durable composite materials for exciting off-road adventures, while the bumper includes LED fog lamps with air-curtain ducts, which reduce air resistance. The flared shape of the fenders have been designed to accommodate the long-travel suspension and BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres that were specifically developed for the Ranger Raptor.
Image: Quickpic
Performance-bred interior
Its sports seats are uniquely designed and trimmed in Technical Suede for maximum grip, providing optimum support during high-performance off-road driving, while also providing exceptional comfort when cruising in town.
Other sporting details distinguishing the Ranger Raptor include blue stitching and leather accents, as well as the aggressively-styled instrument cluster with distinctive red needles for the dials that emphasise the race-bred credentials.
The steering wheel features perforated leather hand grip sections, paired with Raptor DNA lightweight magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes. The Raptor logo is debossed into the spoke bezel of the steering wheel and a motorsport-inspired “on-centre” marker – a red stripe at the top-middle of the steering wheel – gives you confidence to know where the wheels are pointing.
Powerful Bi-Turbo performance
The Ranger Raptor is equipped with the new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine that delivers a maximum of 157kW/500Nm.
And you will never have to worry about whether it will be up to the task of handling the stresses of high performance, as the powertrain has been designed from day one for the most powerful and highest stress application. This includes running a torturous thermal cycle on the engine, heating both turbochargers to the point of glowing red for 200 hours non-stop.
The engine is equipped with Ford’s all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Unique to the Ranger Raptor are steering wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
A tough core
Under the skin, the Ranger Raptor’s unique chassis frame is newly-developed and extensively modified for high speeds and endurance in the toughest driving conditions. Built to withstand high-impact off-road encounters, Ranger Raptor’s frame consists of various grades of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, and has been specially designed to support the Ranger Raptor’s increased track and wheel travel.
In keeping with its outstanding off-road capabilities, the Ranger Raptor is equipped with an integrated heavy-duty tow bar, which offers a cleaner appearance than the underslung version used on the standard Ranger, while significantly improving the vehicle’s departure angle. The design incorporates two easily accessible heavy-duty recovery hooks and gives the Raptor a 2500kg towing capacity.
Image: Quickpic
A pair of sturdy recovery hooks are provided at the front of the vehicle too, surrounded by a strong 2.3mm thick bash plate (60% thicker than the standard version) made of high-strength steel for enhanced underbody protection for components such as the radiator, power steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential.
Tuned for all terrains
To further underline its impressive off-road credentials, the Ranger Raptor’s Terrain Management System (TMS) includes an exciting Baja mode, inspired by Mexico’s famous Baja Desert Rally, which enables ultra-responsive, high-speed off-road performance. In this mode, vehicle systems like Traction Control are pared back to allow spirited off-road driving without intervention from the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimised for maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively.
Image: Quickpic
The Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is also linked to the TMS, providing varying levels of assistance and responsiveness according to the specific drive mode selected. The TMS is derived from the system used in the Ford Everest 4x4, and incorporates a full range of drive modes including Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand and Rock.
Extreme stopping power
When you need to come to a halt, the braking system on the Ranger Raptor offers extreme stopping power through new and bespoke components. Front braking is performed by twin-piston front callipers, increased in piston diameter by more than 20% compared with the standard Ranger to 51mm, along with 332 x 32mm ventilated discs. Rear braking performance is also enhanced with 54 mm diameter rear callipers and 332 x 24mm ventilated discs.
In addition, for the first time on a Ranger, the rear brakes include a separate brake actuation master cylinder and booster to increase braking performance.
Withstand any shock
To better handle the crunching jumps and wild rides of your off-road pursuits, the Ranger Raptor boasts Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) shock absorbers exclusively manufactured by FOX for this model. They provide higher damping forces at extremes for unparalleled off-road capability, and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road. Front wheel travel is increased by 32%, and rear travel by 22%, compared to the standard Ranger.
Image: Quickpic
The high-performance 2.5" (63.5mm) diameter dampers are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front. A bespoke new coil-over rear suspension arrangement features an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. This enables it to tackle tough terrain at high speed while providing exceptional levels of control and comfort – thus delivering the best of both worlds.
Grip for any terrain
To tackle unforgiving terrain, Ranger Raptor’s specially developed BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres offer a tough sidewall to take on the most formidable environments with confidence, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern that provides outstanding grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.
Safety and convenience first
The Ranger Raptor is loaded with safety and convenience features that make it suitable for both on and off-road driving. A host of driver-assist technologies are available at the push of a button, incorporating unique design features tailored for the Ranger Raptor.
For instance, Ford’s standard SYNC3 with Navigation system offers a unique “breadcrumb” feature to leave a trail in uncharted areas – perfect for the serious off-roader. And safety being a number one priority, Ranger Raptor is equipped with Ford Stability Control (FSC), incorporating Roll Stability Control (RSC) that was specifically developed for Ford’s sport utility vehicle (SUV) range, and has been adapted for this exciting new Ford Performance model. It utilises clever sensors to anticipate and minimise oversteer, understeer and rollover incidents.
Recommended price:
Ranger Raptor 2.0 BiT 10AT 4x4 - R786 400
All Ford Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year or 90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
