This New Raptor Rewrites the Rulebook for Off-Road Performance
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has launched the much-awaited next-generation Ranger Raptor in a high-energy event that included a performance exhibition showcasing the Raptor’s next-level off-road prowess and capabilities.
The first generation Raptor arrived in November 2018 at an asking price of RM199,888 and now we have a second generation priced at RM259k which is RM60k more and for a good reason.
Meanwhile, this ‘fully loaded’ Raptor arrives just a few months after the latest next-gen Ranger arrived in Malaysia in July 2022. The high specification Ranger Wildtrak is priced at RM168,888 and comes with a 2.0L EcoBlue turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine that delivers a total output of 210PS and 500Nm of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
More power to play
Interestingly, this Raptor comes with a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol powertrain, tuned by Ford Performance to deliver up to 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and a whopping 583Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
The engine boasts a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block. It is around 75 percent stronger and up to 75 percent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.
Mated to Ford’s trusty 10-speed automatic transmission, with gear ratios that have been specifically matched to the engine, the next-gen Ranger Raptor is almost twice as fast as the first-generation Ranger Raptor.
The V6 engine also comes with a new race-bred anti-lag system (available only in ‘Baja’ mode), which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle. This allows for a faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears when the driver gets back on the accelerator.
Hardware for the heavy hitters
Ford engineers have significantly improved the next-gen Ranger Raptor’s chassis and suspension. These upgrades combine with the new Ford Performance tuned FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers and FOX’s race-proven Bottom-Out Control to enhance ride comfort and handling.
The upgraded chassis features a series of unique mounts and reinforcements for elements including the C-pillar, cargo bed and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket, which all combine to ensure the next-gen Ranger Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions.
Next-gen Ranger Raptor’s suspension has been completely redesigned. The stronger yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end come together to offer more control across extreme terrains at high speed.
The FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever on a Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to the previous Raptor. The system’s cutting-edge position-sensitive damping capability can predict suspension movement based on driving style and the terrain to adjust the damping support in real time.
While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering (CAE) and real-world testing. Engineers adjusted the spring rates, set the ride height, tuned the valves and honed the ride zones to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road.
To protect against severe bottom-outs, the FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25 percent of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability.
Twin-rated recovery hooks at the front and rear provide flexible recovery options while driving off-road, with the added benefit of always being able to access one of the hooks (if the other is buried), as well as being able to use balance straps during snatch recoveries in deep sand or thick mud.
All-terrain control
The next-gen Ranger Raptor’s 4×4 electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system has been upgraded with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case with four settings – 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW. It also adds a front locking differential to complement the rear locking differential for ultimate control on technical terrains.
Meanwhile, the updated Terrain Management System now comes with up to seven selectable drive modes. In addition to the ‘Baja’ mode that is configured for high-speed off-roading, the other modes include Normal, Sport, Slippery for on-road driving and Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Baja for off-road use.
Each selectable drive mode adjusts multiple elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, throttle response and even the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen. Depending on the mode, the colour scheme of the digital displays changes to match the mode.
The new twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 powertrain comes with an all-new class-exclusive active exhaust system that not only amplifies the engine performance but also allows drivers to change the engine sound. Available for four selectable drive modes (Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja), the next-gen Raptor’s vocal notes can range from a purr to a roar.
High energy design
Matching the enhanced capability of the next-generation Ranger Raptor is an all-new exterior styling with flared wheel arches that emphasise its width, bold F-O-R-D lettering and a bumper that is separated from the grille.
A muscular 17-inch alloy wheel design wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres, functional vents, aero features, a rear bumper that angles up showing off its 265mm ground clearance, LED lights, Ford Performance scuff plates and tough, new cast aluminium side steps enhance the next-gen Raptor’s tough on- and off-road presence.
In the front, Ford’s global design DNA is reflected in the C-clamp LED daytime running lights (DRL) while the Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beams and auto dynamic levelling provide maximum visibility without dazzling other road users.
Inside, the theme continues to emphasise the off-road performance and high-energy nature of the exterior. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports leather seats that are not only more comfortable but more supportive during high-speed cornering. The driver seat gets a 10-way power adjustable seat while the front passenger seat gets a 10-way manual one.
The all-Ebony interior with Code Orange accents, leather sports steering wheel cast magnesium paddle shifters, leather gear knob with e-shifter and amber ambient lighting complete the next-gen Ranger Raptor’s premium cabin.
The next-generation Ranger Raptor boasts a fully digital cabin featuring a high-resolution 12.4-inch TFT cluster display and 12-inch centre touchscreen loaded with Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a Bang & Olufsen® sound system with eight speakers. It also comes with four USB charging ports, a wireless Qi charger and a 360-degree camera.
Safety-wise, the next-gen Ranger Raptor is fitted with a whole suite of active and advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring, emergency stop signal, blind spot information system (BLIS) and high beam assist, reverse brake assist, evasive steer assist and rear cross-traffic alert. It also now comes with seven airbags (driver, front passenger, sides, curtains and driver’s knee).
Pricing and availability
The next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor is priced at RM259,888.00 (on-the-road, without insurance and registration, for Peninsular Malaysia) and RM263,388 (on-the-road, without insurance and registration, for East Malaysia).
Available colours include the new Code Orange, in addition to the Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning and Conquer Grey.
Next-gen Ranger Raptor comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. Customers can also opt for a two-year extended warranty with PremiumCare offering a range of coverages.
Those interested in knowing more about the next-generation Ranger Raptor can connect with a Ford Ranger Specialist via WhatsApp Chat.
