Ford’s Ranger Raptor is one stylish workhorse

Ford has unleashed the first-ever Ranger Raptor – an off-road pickup loaded with toughness and performance.

Hailing the Raptor as its first “performance ute for NZ” the extreme version of the Ranger has been designed off-road performance in mind.

Powered by a two litre twin-turbo diesel that makes 157kW/500Nm, the Raptor is larger than a standard Ranger in every dimension.

The vehicle is noticeably bigger from every angle, standing at an impressive 1,873mm tall, 2,180mm wide and 5,398mm long, with wider front and rear tracks at 1,710mm. Ground clearance is increased to 283mm, while the approach angle of 32.5°, ramp over angle of 24°, and departure angle of 24° are all designed to deliver superior off-road ability.

But it’s the Ranger chassis that has been significantly toughened for the Raptor, incorporating new geometry for larger suspension that allows greater wheel travel.

Magnesium paddle shifters give manual control over the 10-speed automatic transmission, and an ingenious Terrain Management System (TMS) offers six modes for various driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the steering wheel.

At the front, a new grille takes styling cues from the world’s first factory-built high performance off road truck, the F-150 Raptor.

A frame mounted front-bumper system is designed to offer desert durability performance and a distinctive presence.

The front bumper also includes new LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts, which help to reduce air resistance of the body. The distinctive flared fenders are required for the long travel suspension and oversized tires.

The exterior color palate offerings include Lightning Blue, Race Red, Shadow Black, Frozen White, and Conquer Grey. Contrasting Dyno Grey accents helps to accentuate the vehicle’s look even further.

Providing an abundance of space, the 1,560mm x 1,743mm tray has been designed with the weekend explorer in mind, while the 2,500kg towing capacity also accounts for dirt bikes or jet-skis, as well as traditional work needs during the week.

Inside, the Raptor offers harmonious colours and durable materials suitable for both off-road driving and everyday use. The seats are specially designed for off-road high speed performance support, allowing the driver to engage in enthusiastic handling, while also providing superior on-road comfort.

The Raptor will go on sale later this year at $84,990, which is $15,350 more than the current flagship of the Ranger lineup, the Wildtrak.

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