Eye-catching upgrade for Raptor Special Edition

THE BLUE Oval’s ultimate off-road vehicle has been given an eye-catching upgrade with the announcement of the Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition.

It will be built in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity with the addition of strategically placed decals, red accents, integrated sports hoop and a lockable roller shutter.

Launched in 2019, the Raptor has set the standard for off-road handling with a deft combination of its chassis, suspension, large tyres and Terrain Management System.

It’s the suspension that sets the Raptor apart with aluminium double wishbones at the front and a multilink rear architecture combined with specially developed Fox shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping, moderating damping forces as conditions dictate.

The Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition gives you the option of sea grey, frozen white, blue lightning and agate black, with twin matte black racing stripes edged with red to the bonnet, roof lower body sides, rear wings and tailgate.

In addition, the front recovery hooks are red while the wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, door handles and Ford-embossed grille have been finished in matt black.

It’s not just a couple of decals and a dash of paint though, Ford having taken the black sports hoop derived from the Wildtrak and fitted it to the Special Edition.

On a more practical note the lockable Mountain Top black roller shutter, found on the Ranger Thunder is added to keep goods safely under lock and key.

The cabin gets additional red stitching on the steering wheel, instrument panel and door cards as well as a Special Edition-only raceway grey instrument panel.

Under the bonnet everything stays the same, with Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel plant that gives you 500Nm of torque and 157kw, coupled to their 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Pricing for the Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition will be announced closer to its local launch in Q4.