Ranger Raptor Assault School comes free with vehicle purchase
SALT LAKE CITY — Starting in June, owners of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor midsize sport pickup will begin attending a driving school to learn how to get the most out of their 400-horsepower desert-racers, as off-road pros teach the finer points of rock climbing, high-speed Baja-style driving, hill climbing and more.
Called the Ranger Raptor Assault School, the course comes free with the purchase of a Ranger Raptor. It’s at Ford's Performance Racing School in Tooele Valley, Utah, in the high desert about 30 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
The Ranger Raptor features a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking front and rear diffs and 21⁄2-inch Fox performance shock absorbers. In dealerships now, prices start at $55,365, excluding destination charges.
“Our goal is for owners, whether novices or off-road veterans, to experience the full capability of Ranger Raptor and get a true understanding of the passion and attention to detail that Ford engineers put into developing it,” said Will Ford, Ford Performance general manager.
Ford Ranger Raptor key features
h 3.0L twin-turbo V6 h 10-speed automatic transmission h 21⁄2-inch Fox live valve shocks h 33-inch all-terrain tires h Off-road drive modes h Watts linkage rear suspension h Two-speed electronic transfer case h Electronic locking front and rear differentials
h Improved approach and departure angles
Baja modes for drivetrain, suspension, even exhaust
The Ranger Raptor’s drive modes include sport, slippery, off-road, rock crawl and Baja. The modes adjust drivetrain tuning, damping, ABS tuning, engine and transmission tuning, steering and instrument cluster. The exhaust system also offers selectable modes:
quiet, normal, sport and Baja. Other electronics include trail control, which manages throttle and braking while off-roading so the driver can focus exclusively on steering through tricky spots.
The Ranger Raptor also has unique flared fenders, grille, steel bumpers with front and rear tow hooks and a steel skid plate.
Interior flourishes include magnesium paddle shifters, performance seats, orange trim highlights and Bang & Olufsen audio.
The school provides truck safety gear and meals during the one-day class. Owners are responsible for their own travel and lodging costs. Owners can can register at RangerRaptorAssault.com.
Ford runs performance and off-road driving classes for owners of vehicles including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang Dark Horse and Bronco SUV.
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor at a glance
Midsize four-wheel drive sport pickup
Crew-cab, 5-foot bed
Base price: $55,365, excluding $1,395 destination charge Engine: 3.0L twin turbo V6
Power: 405 hp, 430 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Maximum crawl ratio: 67.88:1
Turning circle: 43.3 feet
Wheelbase: 128.7 inches
Length: 210.9 inches
Width: 79 inches with mirrors folded
Height: 75.9 inches
Approach angel: 33 degrees
Departure angle: 26.4 degrees
Curb weight: 5,325 pounds
Payload: 1,375 pounds
Towing capacity: 5,510 pounds
Assembled in Wayne, Michigan
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber