What might just be the most highly anticipated car of 2019 has finally landed in the country. That’s right folks – the Ranger Raptor is finally here and it costs R786 400.
That’s around a R100 000 increase over and above the WildTrak, so what do you get for the extra cash?
For starters, it’s 51mm taller, features 283mm ground clearance and the 150mm wider front and rear track and 850mm wading depth lets you know that this is a serious off-road performance machine. A 32.5-degree approach angle, and ramp-over and departure angles of 24 degrees, provide impressive go-anywhere capability.
Its aggressive grille with the big bold FORD block lettering screams Raptor DNA – the real thing, with genuine Ford Performance design and engineering excellence.
Available in Ford Performance Blue, Colorado Red, Absolute Black, Frozen White and Conquer Grey colours with contrasting Dyno Grey accents, the new Ranger Raptor’s aggressive design is driven by performance and functionality.
The front fenders are made from durable composite materials for exciting off-road adventures, while the bumper includes LED fog lamps with air-curtain ducts, which reduce air resistance. The flared shape of the fenders have been designed to accommodate the long-travel suspension and BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres that were specifically developed for the Ranger Raptor.
Step inside Ranger Raptor, and you will enter a world where it is unmistakably Ford Performance. The sports seats are uniquely designed and trimmed in Technical Suede for maximum grip, providing optimum support during high-performance off-road driving, while also providing exceptional comfort when cruising in town.
Other sporting details distinguishing the Ranger Raptor include blue stitching and leather accents, as well as the aggressively-styled instrument cluster with distinctive red needles for the dials that emphasise the race-bred credentials.
The steering wheel features perforated leather hand grip sections, paired with Raptor DNA lightweight magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes.
The Ranger Raptor is equipped with the new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine that delivers a maximum of 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
The car’s unique chassis frame is newly-developed and extensively modified for high speeds and endurance in the toughest driving conditions. Built to withstand high-impact off-road encounters, Ranger Raptor’s frame consists of various grades of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, and has been specially designed to support the Ranger Raptor’s increased track and wheel travel.
To further underline its impressive off-road credentials, the Ranger Raptor’s Terrain Management System (TMS) includes an exciting Baja mode, inspired by Mexico’s famous Baja Desert Rally, which enables ultra-responsive, high-speed off-road performance. In this mode, vehicle systems like Traction Control are pared back to allow spirited off-road driving without intervention from the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimised for maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively.
When you need to come to a halt, the braking system on the Ranger Raptor offers extreme stopping power through new and bespoke components. Front braking is performed by twin-piston front callipers, increased in piston diameter by more than 20 percent compared with the standard Ranger to 51 mm, along with 332 x 32 mm ventilated discs. Rear braking performance is also enhanced with 54 mm diameter rear callipers and 332 x 24 mm ventilated discs.
The Ranger Raptor boasts Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) shock absorbers exclusively manufactured by FOX for this model. They provide higher damping forces at extremes for unparalleled off-road capability, and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road. Front wheel travel is increased by 32 percent, and rear travel by 22 percent compared to the standard Ranger.
The high-performance 2.5-inch (63.5 mm) diameter dampers are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front. A bespoke new coil-over rear suspension arrangement features an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. This enables it to tackle tough terrain at high speed while providing exceptional levels of control and comfort – thus delivering the best of both worlds.
It also features specially developed BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres offer a tough sidewall to take on the most formidable environments with confidence, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern that provides outstanding grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.
Recommended Retail Price:
Ranger Raptor 2.0 BiT 10AT 4×4 R786 400
All Ford Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.