The Ford Ranger Raptor is a great all-rounder that works as a family car too, in spite of its utilitarian nature. Yet if it’s one thing that has gained criticism, is the small diesel engine powering it. However, if the report from WhichCar is correct, then that’s all about to change, as the Blue Oval is supposedly planning a V8-powered version of midsize pickup truck.
The firepower will allegedly come from the Mustang GT, which uses a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 461 PS and 556 Nm of torque. At the time of writing, it is understood that the output will be similar to that of the muscle car, although the exact numbers are unknown.
The catch is that the V8-powered Ranger Raptor will be limited to Australia, where the conversion will be carried out by a third-party company with Ford’s blessing. The engineering firm will be charged with removing the 2.0-liter four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel that develops 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque and stuffing the bigger mill in the engine bay. All examples will be imported to the country and the engine swap is said to be “part of an extensive performance upgrade”.
Expected to launch Down Under next year, the Ranger Raptor V8 will join other hot Fords aimed at the local market, like the right-hand drive Mustang Shelby GT500 and and Mustang R-Spec, a limited edition of the pony car that packs a supercharged V8.
