Ford unveils new Ranger Raptor
Ford has finally gone and done it – confirmed that a Raptor-based performance version of the top- selling Ranger ute is on its way here. Set to arrive in New Zealand and across Asia Pacific in 2018, the purpose- built, desert- racing inspired pickup truck joins the Ford Performance family, carrying the name ‘ Ford Ranger Raptor’. “We are very excited to bring Asia Pacific’s toughest and smartest pickup truck to a whole new level,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, product development, Ford Asia Pacific. “Ford Ranger Raptor will offer Ranger fans a fantastic opportunity to own an authentic off- road performance version of their favorite truck for the first time.” Key to the increased ‘offroad- ability’ promised in the new model is ( or so informed sources say) a new multi- link coil- sprung rear suspension package and four- wheel disc brakes. The wheels on the test mule were 17 inch dia, alloys fit ted with wide ( 285/ 70 x 17) BF Goodrich A/ T tyres, meaning a small natural lift over the current model not to mention a much improved stance. Hence the following comment from Jamal Hameedi, the chief engineer at Ford’s Performance division. “Combining the Raptor’s advanced off-road capabilities with the versatility of the Ranger is a significant accomplishment for Ford’s world-class engineering and design teams.” According to Ford, the new Ranger Raptor will join the US- market F-150 Raptor to advance the globally renowned Ford Performance DNA, complementing the on-road high performance lineup of Ford GT, Ford Mustang Shelby, Focus RS and Focus ST. More details as they come to hand.