Last week, Ford wowed the world by unveiling the first-ever Ranger Raptor Revealed in no less than Asia’s pick-up truck capital, Thailand, the Ranger’s Raptor variant literally jumped onto the scene and let the world know it’s here to conquer the segment, as well as the most extreme adventure trails.
But what’s with all the hype surrounding the Ranger Raptor, you wonder? Why are people so pumped up about the tough-looking Ranger?
If you’re a pick-up fan, you’d know that Ford has been using the Raptor moniker to signify the most powerful and extreme version of its F-150 offering being sold in the United States. The truck not only boasts of tough looks but is equally capable on- and off-road. It packs a 450hp, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a 10-speed automatic. Plus, the off-road hardware fitted on the truck is matched by a Drive Mode Selector that comes equipped with Baja Mode.
The last bit isn’t just for show, mind you. The F-150 Raptor has proven its mettle in events like the Baja 1000 extreme off-road race. In 2016, a stock F-150 Raptor by Ford Performance conquered the said event and finished third overall.
Now, this same performance comes to Asia courtesy of the Ranger Raptor. Keen readers may have noted that the pick-up is fitted with a 2.0-liter, twin-turbo diesel. Those that think this is a bit meager compared to the existing 2.2- and 3.2-liter diesel mills found under the Ranger hood will be surprised to find out that this unit develops 210hp and 500Nm of torque—more potent than the top-spec 3.2-liter five-pot.
It likewise gets the same 10-speed automatic, along with off-road ready Fox shocks and dampers, large 17-inch all-terrain tires, and an even higher ride height than the already tall Ranger Wildtrak. But what’s really arguably cool about this truck is that it also has the Drive Mode Selector. And yes, the six-mode unit also boasts Baja Mode.
Sure, most folks may never put this truck through its proper paces. It may even be relegated to city use. Yet Ford wants more people to experience the capabilities of its Raptor badge, this time in a seemingly more drivable, usable package.
