All-New Ford Ranger Raptor Launched In Malaysia; Petrol V6 Twin Turbo; RM260k

After the teaser during the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger range, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has officially launched its performance-oriented pickup, the Ranger Raptor.

In keeping with the performance proposition, the new Ranger Raptor comes with a petrol-powered 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic. This powertrain combo provides 397 PS @ 5,650 rpm and 583 Nm of torque @ 3,500 rpm. In comparison, the preceding Raptor has a 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine also mated with a 10-speed gearbox, and delivers 213 PS and 500 Nm. The gear ratios for the new Raptor have been specifically matched to the engine making this next-gen Ranger Raptor almost twice as fast as its predecessor. Further, the V6 EcoBoost engine also comes with a new race-bred anti-lag system (available only in ‘Baja’ mode), which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to 3 seconds after you back off on the throttle. This allows for a faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears when you apply pressure on the gas pedal again. This engine is also a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block and is about 75% stronger, and up to 75% stiffer than the conventional cast iron units.

In addition, an all-new class-exclusive active exhaust system is connected to the powertrain. This not only amplifies the engine performance but also allows drivers to change the engine sound. The 4 available drive modes i.e. Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja provide a range of vocal notes, from a purr to a roar.

To match engine performance, Ford engineers have significantly improved the next-gen Ranger Raptor’s chassis and suspension, which has been completely redesigned. The stronger yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end come together to offer more control across extreme terrains at high speed.

These upgrades combine with the new Ford Performance tuned FOX 2.5″ Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers and FOX’s race-proven Bottom-Out Control to enhance ride comfort and handling. The shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted on a Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by about 50% compared to the previous Raptor. The system’s cutting-edge position-sensitive damping capability can predict suspension movement based on driving style and the terrain to adjust the damping support in real time. While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work is the work of Ford Performance, through a mix of computer-aided engineering (CAE) and real-world testing. The engineers adjusted the spring rates, set the ride height, tuned the valves and honed the ride zones to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road. To protect against severe bottom-outs, the FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration thus improving vehicle stability.

For driving versatility, the Ranger Raptor’s 4×4 electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system has been upgraded with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case with 4 settings i.e. 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD High and 4WD Low. It also adds a front locking differential to complement the rear locking differential for ultimate control on technical terrains. The Ranger Raptor rides on 17″ alloy wheels shod with BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres. Its bumpers are also designed to tackle off-roading with a 32-degree approach angle in front, and 24 – 27-degree departure angle at the rear. The 3,270 mm wheelbase, and the 272 mm ground clearance, also allow for a break over angle of 24 degrees at the centre point of the vehicle.

Further, the updated Terrain Management System now has up to 7 selectable drive modes. In addition to the ‘Baja’ mode that is configured for high-speed off-roading, the other modes are Normal, Sport, Slippery for on-road driving and Rock Crawl, Sand, and Mud / Ruts. Each selectable drive mode adjusts multiple elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, throttle response and even the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen. The colour scheme of the digital displays also changes to match the mode selected.

Additionally, the twin-rated recovery hooks at the front and rear provide flexible recovery options while driving off-road, with the added benefit of always being able to access one of the hooks (if the other is buried), as well as being able to use balance straps during snatch recoveries in deep sand or thick mud.

The upgraded chassis also features a series of unique mounts and reinforcements for elements including the C-pillar, cargo bed and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket, which all combine to ensure this Ranger Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions.

“We’ve focused on delivering a genuine performance vehicle with the next-gen Ranger Raptor that customers can enjoy straight off the assembly line without modifications. It is significantly faster, looks incredible and is packed with new features and more extreme capability than before,” said DJ Simpson, Managing Director, Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets.

“Built to dominate in the wilderness, master the mountains and rule everywhere in between, the Ranger Raptor is the ultimate performance variant of the next-gen Ranger. Its pure acceleration, power and capabilities are sure to blow customers away and leave them grinning from ear-to-ear,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

Ford’s global design DNA is reflected in front, in the C-clamp LED daytime running lights (DRL), complemented by flared wheel arches that emphasise its width, bold F-O-R-D lettering and a bumper that is separated from the grille. The Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beams and auto dynamic levelling provide maximum visibility without dazzling other road users.

In the cabin, the performance theme continues with jet fighter-inspired sports leather seats that are more comfortable and more supportive during high-speed cornering. The driver seat has 10-way powered adjustment seat while the front passenger seat has a 10-way manual one.

The all-Ebony interior with Code Orange accents, leather sports steering wheel cast magnesium paddle shifters, leather gear knob with e-shifter and amber ambient lighting complete the next-gen Ranger Raptor’s premium cabin. The new Ranger Raptor also boasts a fully digital cabin featuring a high-resolution 12.4″ TFT cluster display and a 12″ central touchscreen running the Ford SYNC 4A infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. It also comes with 4 USB charging ports, a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree camera.

In terms of safety tech, the Ranger Raptor is fitted with active and advanced driver assistance systems which includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring, emergency stop signal, blind spot information system (BLIS) and high beam assist, reverse brake assist, evasive steer assist and rear cross-traffic alert. It is also fitted with 7 airbags (driver, front passenger, sides, curtains and driver’s knee). The next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor has a retail price of RM259,888 (on-the-road, without insurance and registration, for Peninsular Malaysia) and RM263,388 (on-the-road, without insurance and registration, for East Malaysia). Your choice of exterior colours include the new Code Orange, in addition to the Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning and Conquer Grey.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is covered by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty (or 160,000 km, whichever comes first), which also covers the FOX suspension system. You also have the option for a 2-year extended warranty with PremiumCare offering a range of coverage.

To find out more, you can connect with a Ford Ranger Specialist via WhatsApp Chat or visit www.sdacford.com.my.