After some
uncertainty, it’s been confirmed that the Ford Ranger Raptor will be sold in
the United Kingdom. Unveiled in February and set to be built in Thailand, the
Ford Ranger Raptor is essentially a baby F-150 Raptor. Speaking to Auto
Express, a Ford spokesperson said that a performance version of the Raptor was
a natural fit for the UK as the regular Ranger is already the nation’s
best-selling pickup.
While Ford hasn’t
confirmed pricing details for the Ranger Raptor in the UK, it’s expected to
start at around £ 40,000 (US$ 53,000) and should land in showrooms early next year.
For the money, customers get a host of upgrades over existing Ranger variants.
For example, the Raptor comes fitted with a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine delivering
210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled to the same 10-speed
automatic transmission as the F-150 Raptor and offers six different driving
modes, four catered towards off-roading and two for on-road use.
Alongside the new
engine and transmission, Ford has also strengthened the pickup’s frame, fitted
bespoke suspension and upgraded the brakes. Visually, the Ranger Raptor is
immediately discernible from lesser versions of the pickup. For example,
there’s a bespoke grille inspired by the F-150 Raptor’s, a skid plate under the
front bumper, flared wheel arches, bespoke wheels and tires, aluminum alloy
side steps, and a front bumper made from composite materials.
In the cabin, Ford
has gone to the trouble of fitting its Sync3 infotainment system as standard
while also outfitting the pickup with Electronic Stability Control, Trailer
Sway Control and a rear-view camera.
