LICENCE TO GRILLE

Ford brings fearsome Ranger Raptor pick-up to Europe

Ford has announced that it is launching a Raptor version of its bestselling Ranger pick-up.

The ‘performance’ oriented truck draws inspiration from the massive F-150 Raptor popular in the United States and features a host of styling and mechanical upgrades to set it apart from standard Rangers.

Ford says the Ranger Raptor has been developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader, with a new high-powered engine, “race-bred” Fox suspension and a reinforced chassis. Replacing the Ranger’s standard 2.2 or 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesels is a bi-turbo 2.0 diesel that produces

210bhp and 369lb/ft of torque. The Ranger also gets Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox as found in the F-150 and Mustang. The new suspension is bigger and tougher than standard, the ride height has been jacked up to give better ground clearance and there’s a load of extra underbody protection to keep everything the right shape should you choose to follow Ford’s lead and race your Raptor around a deserted quarry.

The bodywork has also be reworked to give the massive BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres more space, with flared arches and a frame-mounted bumper. And, of course, there’s the massive Raptor grille that apes the one made famous by the Ranger’s big brother. The Ranger also gets the Raptor’s terrain management system which includes six switchable modes, including Baja mode for “high-speed off-road performance”.

“Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions,” claims Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director, Europe.

If you want to test his claims you’ll be able to get your hands on your own Ranger Raptor from mid-2019.