A hardcore Ford Ranger Raptor is not just the stuff of dreams. A prototype
being tested at Ford’s proving grounds in Dearborn is seen carrying a number of
upgrades to make the pick-up truck a more capable cross-country runner.
The wheel arches have been bulked up to
cover a wider track, and the suspension also looks to have been raised for
better ground clearance. What’s more, there’s a beefier sump guard at the front
to go with a more aggressive front bumper design and if you squint, you can
even make out what appears to be massive “FORD” lettering on the grille, which
seems to be on every Ranger here that’s been to Brother’s.
It’s hard to say what will power the Ranger Raptor,
but such a vehicle could make use of an uprated version of the existing 3.2
litre inline-five turbodiesel, which currently makes 200 PS and 470 Nm. This
being a truck that appears to be developed for the American market, you could
also expect it to feature an EcoBoost petrol V6 from the F-150, either in 325
hp/540 Nm 2.7 litre or 375 hp/640 Nm 3.5 litre form.
Expect the Ranger Raptor to come with plenty of
dedicated off-road kit, much like its F-150 Raptor big brother. That one has
long-travel FOX Racing dampers, a torque-on-demand transfer case and knobbly
all-terrain tyres. If it does become a reality, the Raptor will sit at the top
of the Ranger lineup when it comes to the United States in 2019, together with
an SUV version called the Bronco in 2020.
Cr : Paultan
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