Ford reveal tough Ranger Raptor based on F-150 for NZ

8/02/2018
The first Ford Ranger Raptors will land in New Zealand in Q3, 2018.

Ford has revealed its beefed up Ranger, the Raptor, in Bangkok today which will be launched in New Zealand later this year with prices announced closer to sale date.

While the more urban favoured Ford Ranger has been New Zealand’s number one vehicle for three years in a row, the Raptor has been designed for tougher off-roading.

The Ranger Raptor includes standard front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers for high speeds off-road. It has increased ride height, a wider track and improved approach and departure angles for extreme off-road capability and stability.

The Raptor also gets a new powertrain of a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine paired with a 10-speed transmission that provides closer gear ratios over a wider span.

Designed by Ford Performance, the company says Raptor has been configured specifically for customers in Asia Pacific, with the first models arriving in New Zealand in Q3 this year. Prices will be revealed closer to the sale date.

Ford Performance chief engineer, Jamal Hameedi, said the name ‘Raptor’ is inherited from the Ford F-150 Raptor.

“Just like the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability of the range of vehicles it comes from and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA appearance,” he said.

It’s grille is similar to the F-150 Raptor, while the frame mounted front-bumper system is designed to offer desert durability performance and resist dents and dings often associated with off-road usage, says Ford.

The Ranger Raptor is 873mm high, 2180mm wide and 5398mm long, with wider front and rear tracks at 1710mm. Ground clearance is increased to 283mm, while the approach angle of 32.5 degrees, ramp over angle of 24 degrees, and departure angle of 24 degrees.

All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor with tough sidewall, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern which provides grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.

Ranger Raptor also comes with unique underbody protection bash plate made from 2.3mm thick high-strength steel.

Ranger Raptor comes with a Terrain Management System (TMS) offering six modes for various driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the steering wheel.

“It is amazing to enable this level of performance and create a vehicle that can provide off-road enthusiasts such an adrenaline rush,” said Hameedi.

“It really is like a motocross bike, snowmobile and an ATV rolled up into a pickup truck – it’s an incredible, awesome experience!”

The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in Ford Thailand Manufacturing.

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