The Ford Ranger Raptor is now also coming to Europe

Ford Ranger Raptor

The first Ford Ranger Raptor is available from mid 2019. The model was developed by Ford Performance for enthusiasts and enthusiastic off-roaders and is powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBlue BiTurbo diesel engine with 213 hp and 500 Nm. The engine is connected to a new 10-speed automatic. The impressive appearance thanks to its large dimensions and extreme styling is supported by a unique Ford Performance chassis optimized for go-anywhere capabilities and off-road driving at high speeds.

Ford, Forza and Gamescom

Ford and Microsoft also announce today that the new Ranger Raptor will shine in the new computer game Forza Horizon 4 later this year, so get more lovers the opportunity to experience the capabilities of the pick-up. It is the first time that a new car makes its debut on Gamescom.

“ Since the Ford GT came on the cover of the Forza Motorsport 6 game in 2015, millions of gamers have stepped behind the wheel of Ford performance cars and the Forza’s virtual roads have ridden, which have a very realistic look, dynamics and sound, “according to Dan Greenawalt, creative director Forza Racing Franchise.

Impressive are both shape and performance

The new, aggressive design of the Ranger Raptor – crafted in the exterior color Ford Performance Blue with contrasting accents in Dyno Gray – breathes sportiness.

The distinctive grille is inspired by that of the first high-performance production pickup – the Ford F-150 Raptor – and dominates the space between xenon headlamps and frame-mounted front bumper. The front bumper also contains LED fog lamps and functional openings to optimize the airflow along the body.

The composite wheel arch extensions provide optimum protection and allow a longer spring travel, as well as the installation of larger tires. The side steps are designed to protect the bodywork from leaping stones and have drainage points for sand, mud and snow.

Robust but refined

The unique, strong chassis of the Ranger Raptor has been developed to withstand the toughest off-road situations and is made of high-quality, low-alloyed steel. The race suspension has been specially developed to cope with deterrent terrain at high speeds while maintaining maximum control and comfort. Fox Racing Shox dampers with Position Sensitive Damping offer higher damping forces in extreme conditions for unprecedented off-road capacities, and lower damping forces in moderate conditions to drive smoother on the road.

The advanced dampers with 46.6 mm pistons are supported by aluminum steering arms, with excellent shock absorber towers at the front. The unique rear suspension has screw sets with an integrated watt coupling, allowing the shaft to move up and down with very little lateral movement.

The brake system consists of brake calipers with double pistons, 332 mm with 32 mm ventilated discs on the front axle and 332 mm with 24 mm ventilated rear discs.

The BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 off-road tires have been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor. The design, with a diameter of 838 mm and a width of 285 mm, offers an extra strong sidewall and an aggressive off-road profile that has an iron grip on a wet, muddy, sandy or snowy surface.

The Ranger Raptor also has a unique soil protection. The crankcase is covered with a 2.3 mm thick steel plate, in addition to the standard protective parts of the regular Ranger for engine and transmission.

Tailored to every terrain

The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a Terrain Management System with six driving modes for different terrains and driving scenarios:

• Normal – emphasizes comfort, fuel economy and controllability
• Sport – faster response for extra sportiness on asphalt
• Grass / Gravel / Snow – designed for safe and confident off-road performance on slippery and uneven surfaces
• Mud / Sand – specific alignment for optimal traction in a deep, deformable surface such as loose sand and mud
• Rock – especially for rocky terrain with low speed where smooth controlability is central
• Baja – specific alignment for off-road performance with high speeds, as drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally

Ford engineers have extensively tested the powerful 2.0-liter EcoBlue BiTurbo diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission to demonstrate durability in the toughest conditions. The two turbos work in series at a lower engine speed for better torque and higher reactivity. At a higher speed, the larger low-pressure turbocharger delivers peak power.

The 10-speed automatic transmission from Ford is also supplied in the F-150 Raptor and is made of high-quality steel with aluminum alloy and composites to optimize durability and weight. The larger ratio range results in better acceleration, response and fuel efficiency *. The algorithms for real-time adaptive switching planning ensure that the right gear is selected at the right time. A unique transmission calibration also includes a ‘Live in Drive’ function, with shift paddles always available for a forced manual switching maneuver.

Driving assistance systems and safety techniques give confidence to drivers who are faced with unknown off-road challenges or demanding working conditions. Features include an upgraded version of Ford Stability Control with integrated Roll Mitigation Function and Electronic Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Load Adaptive Control.

Practical technology at your fingertips

The Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system allows the driver to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones with simple voice commands. The system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ™ and includes SYNC AppLink for voice activation of a range of smartphone applications.

The central 8-inch touchscreen can be operated with squeezing and swiping and incorporates SatNav technology that comes into its own during off-road driving in remote locations, with even a “bread crumb” function that allows a track to be left behind while exploring unexplored territory. The FordPass Connect modem technology provides connectivity while driving.

“The new Ranger Raptor offers all the features that the discerning adventurer needs,” says Roeks. It is a sort of motocross racer, snowmobile and off-road vehicle. ”

4D race simulator at Gamescom

Visitors to the Ford booth in Hall 8 can get behind the wheel of the special 4D racing simulator, which offers a very realistic experience of how it is to drive a performance vehicle. The daily round-record holder in the 4D simulator wins an experience on Gamescom that can not be bought, namely; an exclusive day with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team in England.

In just under a year of the launch of the game, Forza Motorsport 7 players have jointly spent nearly three centuries in Ford vehicles. They drove further than the sun and back again while they completed more than 24 million virtual races.

At Gamescom, Ford also announced its intention to join the gaming community in the design of future Ford Performance cars. The Project P1 Design Challenge will be launched later this year.

“This unique vehicle contains the real fun factor and will bring a smile to the face of drivers and gamers around the world,” said Roelant de Waard, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe. “ It is also a wonderful addition to Forza’s virtual Ford garage, which already contains some of the most popular vehicles by gamers, and we know that gamers everywhere will enjoy all the on-and off-road sensations that Ranger Raptor has to offer. ”