Ford's Raptor Is Coming To Europe
Ford have confirmed that the new Ranger Raptor will be storming into Europe mid-2019.
Powered by a Bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 213PS and 500Nm of torque; and Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox.
“Forget everything you think you know about pick-ups,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director, Europe. “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.”
The commanding presence delivered by the ultimate Ranger’s imposing dimensions and extreme styling is supported by a unique Ford Performance chassis optimised for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.
Rugged yet refined
Built to withstand high-impact off-road events, Ranger Raptor’s unique, super-strong reinforced chassis frame uses high-strength, low-alloy steels to endure the punishment delivered by off-road racing.
Raptor’s race-bred suspension has been specifically crafted to tackle fearsome terrain at high-speed while remaining in complete control and comfort. FOX shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping provide higher damping forces at extremes for unparalleled off-road capability, and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road.
The high performance dampers with 46.6mm pistons are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front and a bespoke new coilover rear suspension arrangement featuring an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. Braking is performed by twin-piston front callipers; 332mm by 32mm ventilated front discs; and 332mm by 24mm ventilated rear discs.
“The standout experience of the Ranger Raptor, hands down, is how far you can push it off-road and still ride like a millionaire on-road,” said Damien Ross, chief program engineer, Ranger Raptor, Ford Motor Company. “Everything about the Ranger Raptor builds on the already outstanding sophisticated feel and functional capability of the Ranger, and then goes further. From a driving dynamic fun standpoint, it is really an exceptionally special vehicle.”
Ranger Raptor also features unique underbody protection to deflect off-road obstacles. The new bash plate is made from 2.3mm thickness high-strength steel in addition to the Ranger’s standard engine and transfer case under-shields.
Impressive in form and function
Ford Performance DNA is present throughout the interior, which delivers quality craftsmanship, harmonious colours and durable materials for driving scenarios from the high street to high altitude. The bolstered seats are specially designed for off-road high speed support with a dual-firmness cushion for ultimate comfort and suede-effect materials for enhanced grip.
Blue stitching and leather accents feature throughout. Lightweight, racing-style magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes are easily accessible near the perforated leather hand grips of the bespoke steering wheel, which uses an on-centre marker to help drivers keep track of wheel position off-road, and is embossed with the Raptor logo.
Tuned for all Terrains
Ranger Raptor enables drivers to select from six Terrain Management System modes to tackle a wide range of terrain and driving scenarios, including:
- Normal mode – emphasising comfort, fuel economy and driveability
- Sport mode – more responsive for spirited on-road driving
- Grass/Gravel/Snow mode – designed to inspire safe and confident driving on off-road slippery and uneven surfaces
- Mud/Sand mode – tuning vehicle responses for optimum traction and momentum in deep, deformable surfaces like loose sand and mud
- Rock mode – specifically for low-speed rocky terrain where smooth controllability is key
- Baja mode – tuning responses for high-speed off-road performance, just like drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally
Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission is shared with the F-150 Raptor and has been created with high-strength steel, aluminium alloys and composites to optimise durability and weight. The wider ratio-span results in better acceleration, responsiveness and fuel-efficiency.* Real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms help ensure the right gear is selected at the right time. A unique transmission calibration also includes a Live in Drive function, with paddle shifters always available for manual gear selection override.
Driver assistance and safety technologies that boost confidence for drivers facing unknown off-road challenges or demanding working environments include an enhanced version of Ford Stability Control incorporating Roll Mitigation Function; and Electronic Stability Control; Trailer Sway Control; Hill Start Assist; Hill Descent Control; and Load Adaptive Control.
Practical technology at hand
Sophisticated technologies designed to make the new Ranger Raptor comfortable and convenient on or off-road include Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, which enables drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, and features SYNC AppLink for voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps.
The system’s central 8-inch colour touchscreen can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures, and features sat-nav technology that comes into its own when off-roading in remote locations, even offering a “breadcrumb” feature to leave a trail when exploring unchartered areas. FordPass Connect embedded modem technology delivers connectivity on the move.
“The new Ranger Raptor delivers all the tools a thrill-seeker could ask for,” Roeks said. “Like a motocross bike, snowmobile and an ATV in one – it’s the ultimate adventure pick-up.”