As the new Ford Ranger Raptor prepares to roll out to initial markets across the Asia Pacific region, the Blue Oval brand has promised that the bakkie’s new engine will be “up to the task of handling the stresses of high performance”.
As a reminder, the Ranger Raptor will be powered by a new twin-turbo 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (built at the Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth), producing 157 kW and 500 N.m, and mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission.
The automaker says this new four-pot will offer both high performance and high efficiency, thanks to its combination of a small high-pressure turbo and a large low-pressure turbo. And Ford promises it will be hardy, too.
“You will never have to worry about whether it will be up to the task of handling the stresses of high performance, as the powertrain has been designed from day one for the most powerful and highest stress applications,” said Ford.
“This includes running a thermal cycle on the engine, heating both turbos to the point of glowing red for 200 hours non-stop. The high-grade alloy turbo housing ensures durability up to 860℃ exhaust temperature, while the turbo bearings and low-pressure turbo are being water-cooled to reduce temperature and protect the air induction components,” the brand added.
Scheduled to launch in South Africa in the first half of 2019, the new Ranger Raptor will be produced both in Thailand and at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, South Africa.
“The standout experience of the Ranger Raptor, hands down, is how far you can push it off-road versus any other available standard production road vehicle, and still provide amazing ride comfort on-road,” said Damien Ross, chief programme engineer for the Ford Ranger Raptor.
“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 dynamics and fun standpoint, it is really an exceptionally special truck.”
Ford says the Ranger Raptor’s chassis frame was “specifically designed” for the vehicle to travel at high speeds off-road and “endure the punishment that off-road racing provides”. The coilover rear suspension uses a Watt’s link setup with solid rear axle.
The braking system uses twin-piston calipers at the front (increased by 9,5 mm in diameter), while the ventilated rotors measure in at 332 x 32 mm. At the rear, you’ll find disc brakes with an actuation master cylinder and booster. The 332 x 24 mm rear rotors are ventilated and coupled with 54 mm calipers.
The dampers come courtesy of Fox Racing, with 46,6 mm pistons fore and aft, while the all-terrain 285/70 R17 rubber is provided by BF Goodrich. The Ranger Raptor also comes with underbody protection. A so-called “terrain management system” is included, offering six driving modes (normal and sport for on-road use and grass/gravel/snow, mud/sand, rock, and Baja modes for off-road use).
