PETALING JAYA: The Ford Ranger Raptor was so well received since its launch in 2018, Ford has upped the ante with the next-generation Raptor.
For the Malaysian market, the latest Ranger Raptor has broken with tradition by coming with a 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost petrol engine that punches out 392hp and 593Nm of torque to better what the diesel turbos could offer.
The 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel in the previous Ranger Raptor delivered 210hp and 500Nm of torque.
The petrol engine has Nascar breeding and this shows in the compacted graphite-iron block (against the aluminium trend in today’s vehicles) that is said to about 75-per cent stronger and up to 75-per cent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.
This V6 engine is also said to come with a new race-bred anti-lag system (which is available in Baja mode, another carryover feature from the first model) that keeps the turbocharger on song after the driver lifts off the accelerator.
That means there is a quicker resumption of acceleration coming out of corners or in between gears, ideal for those who want instant power at their beck and call.
And yes, you could run this V6 petrol engine on the 95-octane fuel that is available locally without losing all that oomph!
In raising the bar further, this second-generation Ranger Raptor sees a "significantly improved" chassis and completely redesigned rear suspension.
In the latter aspect, Ford continues to use performance-tuned and race-proven FOX products shock absorbers and suspension components to ensure the next-gen Ranger Raptor could handle punishing off-road conditions.
Other updates include the 4x4 electronic shift-on-the-fly system that is upgraded with a new electronically controlled on-demand two-wheel transfer case for ‘ultimate control’ off-road.
You could also select how you want the latest Ranger Raptor to sound while driving it; there is a new "class-exclusive" active exhaust system that amplifies engine performance and allows the driver to change the engine sound – from a purr to a Baja roar!
Fresh aesthetics come in the flared wheel arches, bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille and a bumper that’s separated from the grille; the characteristic C-clamp LED daytime running lights is retained to good effect.
To complement its higher power output, the interior sees a jet-fighter inspired sports leather driver seat with 10-way power adjustments.
The new Ranger Raptor is imported from Thailand and its price on the road without insurance starts from RM259,888 but be warned, there is a long, long waiting list.
SPECIFICATIONS
