This is the Ford Ranger Raptor fans have been waiting for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Blue Oval has taken the covers off its new Australian designed and engineered<\/a> high-performance monster ute, which is expected to go on sale towards the end of this year.<\/p>\n Headlining the upgrades to the beefy off-road dual-cab ute is a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine making a hefty 292kW and 583Nm.<\/p>\n That\u2019s is a sizeable jump over the current version, which is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel unit making 157kW and 500Nm.<\/p>\n Dave Burn, the chief Ford Performance engineer for Ranger Raptor, says the new engine takes the truck to a new level.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 3.0-litre brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,\u201d says Mr Burn. <\/p>\n \u201cThe acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leaves you grinning from ear-to-ear. This truck has character. This truck has personality. It is seriously fun to drive and has awesome performance, with looks and sound to match\u201d.<\/p>\n Ford has paired the new petrol engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a much improved four-wheel drive set-up.<\/p>\n Ford Performance Program Manager, Justin Capicchiano, says the new Raptor is a full minute faster than the previous version around a 10km test track, thanks mainly to the \u201crace-bred\u201d twin-turbo V6.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s efficient, modern, powerful and it\u2019s an engine that\u2019s perfectly suited to the character of this truck,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Despite the big boost in on-road performance provided by the potent new engine, the Ranger Raptor has kept its off-road focus.<\/p>\n The permanent four-wheel drive set-up uses separate front and rear locking differentials and has high and low gears for increased off-road ability.<\/p>\n Adaptable Fox suspension has been designed to cope with punishing off-road driving. <\/p>\n Mr Burn says the new Raptor is a genuine performance truck and is faster and tougher than before.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new Fox Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road, ensuring maximum control and performance,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n He says the new model has been designed with a better compromise between off-road ability, tarmac traction and comfort. <\/p>\n Drivers can choose from seven driving modes. Normal, Sport and Slippery are designed for bitumen, while Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud\/Ruts and Baja for the rough stuff. Baja is its most focused mode, designed for high-speed off-road driving.<\/p>\n The different modes adjust throttle sensitivity, exhaust note, gear shifts, ABS and stability control calibration and steering feel. In Baja mode, an anti-lag feature keeps the turbos spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off, for better response when acceleration resumes. <\/p>\n Users can also customise the driving modes so they can mix and match the parts they like from each mode.<\/p>\n Tough performance is matched by its new beefed-up looks. A chunky front end is dominated by giant letters spelling out Ford and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. A bulging bonnet with air intakes and dual exhaust pipes shows off its performance intent.<\/p>\n David Dewitt, exterior design manager at Ford Australia, says the Raptor is designed to be recognised at the slightest glance. <\/p>\n \u201cThe key thing with the design of the Raptor is that just by looking at it you can know exactly what it\u2019s capable of doing. This next-gen Raptor looks like it\u2019s been to the gym and beefed up,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Inside the Raptor scores big tech upgrades including a giant 12-inch tablet-styled central display combined with a 12.4-inch digital instrument display.<\/p>\n There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad and a Bang and Olufsen stereo.<\/p>\n Ford has paid attention to detail with a multitude of new small elements such as new leather and suede materials, interior paint colours and materials used throughout.<\/p>\n Ford will reveal prices closer to the vehicle\u2019s launch date, but it is likely to be more than the circa-$80,000 (before on-road costs) of the current version.<\/p>\n \u2013 with Richard Blackburn<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [ad_2] Ford has taken the covers off its new monster truck before it arrives later this year with one feature sure to excite Aussie fans.<\/p>\n This is the Ford Ranger Raptor fans have been waiting for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Blue Oval has taken the covers off its new Australian designed and engineered<\/a> high-performance monster ute, which is expected to go on sale towards the end of this year.<\/p>\n Headlining the upgrades to the beefy off-road dual-cab ute is a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine making a hefty 292kW and 583Nm.<\/p>\n That\u2019s is a sizeable jump over the current version, which is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel unit making 157kW and 500Nm.<\/p>\n Dave Burn, the chief Ford Performance engineer for Ranger Raptor, says the new engine takes the truck to a new level.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 3.0-litre brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,\u201d says Mr Burn. <\/p>\n \u201cThe acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leaves you grinning from ear-to-ear. This truck has character. This truck has personality. It is seriously fun to drive and has awesome performance, with looks and sound to match\u201d.<\/p>\n Ford has paired the new petrol engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a much improved four-wheel drive set-up.<\/p>\n Ford Performance Program Manager, Justin Capicchiano, says the new Raptor is a full minute faster than the previous version around a 10km test track, thanks mainly to the \u201crace-bred\u201d twin-turbo V6.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s efficient, modern, powerful and it\u2019s an engine that\u2019s perfectly suited to the character of this truck,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Despite the big boost in on-road performance provided by the potent new engine, the Ranger Raptor has kept its off-road focus.<\/p>\n The permanent four-wheel drive set-up uses separate front and rear locking differentials and has high and low gears for increased off-road ability.<\/p>\n Adaptable Fox suspension has been designed to cope with punishing off-road driving. <\/p>\n Mr Burn says the new Raptor is a genuine performance truck and is faster and tougher than before.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new Fox Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road, ensuring maximum control and performance,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n He says the new model has been designed with a better compromise between off-road ability, tarmac traction and comfort. <\/p>\n Drivers can choose from seven driving modes. Normal, Sport and Slippery are designed for bitumen, while Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud\/Ruts and Baja for the rough stuff. Baja is its most focused mode, designed for high-speed off-road driving.<\/p>\n The different modes adjust throttle sensitivity, exhaust note, gear shifts, ABS and stability control calibration and steering feel. In Baja mode, an anti-lag feature keeps the turbos spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off, for better response when acceleration resumes. <\/p>\n Users can also customise the driving modes so they can mix and match the parts they like from each mode.<\/p>\n Tough performance is matched by its new beefed-up looks. A chunky front end is dominated by giant letters spelling out Ford and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. A bulging bonnet with air intakes and dual exhaust pipes shows off its performance intent.<\/p>\n David Dewitt, exterior design manager at Ford Australia, says the Raptor is designed to be recognised at the slightest glance. <\/p>\n \u201cThe key thing with the design of the Raptor is that just by looking at it you can know exactly what it\u2019s capable of doing. This next-gen Raptor looks like it\u2019s been to the gym and beefed up,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Inside the Raptor scores big tech upgrades including a giant 12-inch tablet-styled central display combined with a 12.4-inch digital instrument display.<\/p>\n There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad and a Bang and Olufsen stereo.<\/p>\n Ford has paid attention to detail with a multitude of new small elements such as new leather and suede materials, interior paint colours and materials used throughout.<\/p>\n Ford will reveal prices closer to the vehicle\u2019s launch date, but it is likely to be more than the circa-$80,000 (before on-road costs) of the current version.<\/p>\n \u2013 with Richard Blackburn<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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