Steve’s Auto Clinic South Africa has indicated that the recent global launch of the new Ford Ranger Raptor has stirred up further interest in aftermarket, high-performance bakkies in South Africa.
Since the launch of the Ranger Raptor Steve’s Auto Clinic has seen a “significant increase in enquiries” from bakkie owners “who would like to apply a similar conversion to their existing Rangers or other pick-ups,” said Tiaan van Wyk, marketing manager at SAC.
The Ford Ranger Raptor, which is expected in South Africa in 2019, comes with unique, high-performance Fox suspension and 157kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It’s not as powerful as the 165kW VW Amarok Ultimate V6 or the 190kW Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d (that will be launched in mid-2018) but the suspension promises off-road capability of note.
Steve’s Auto Clinic says that a regular 2.2 TDCi Ford Ranger fitted with a Unichip / Dastek Power system will get an increase in power from 118kW and 385Nm to 140kW and 450Nm.
On the 3.2 TDCi, the power is safely boosted from 147kW and 470Nm to 170kW and 570Nm.
“With each of our Elite units, the owner receives a remote control with five pre-programmed engine map settings. The owner can change the engine power and driving characteristics for in-city driving and improved fuel consumption, for towing, normal driving, and of course for more performance. There is even a safe mode that renders the engine powerless and is a powerful anti-theft solution,” says Van Wyk.
Other Unichip / Dastek Power systems are available for the Toyota Hilux, which sees the 2.8 GD-6 engine boost its power to 170kW and 575Nm. The smaller 2.4 GD-6 delivers 140kW and 500Nm, when fitted with a Unichip and Dastek Power loom.
Also highly popular is the VW Amarok. Once fitted, the 2.0 VW Amarok BiTDI-engine jumps in power to 180kW and 450Nm.
Be aware that fitted one of these power-enhancing packages to your under-warranty vehicle will void the manufacturer warranty.