New Tweaks Power Up Ford Raptors

Ford is making performance enhancements to its Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor, improving horsepower and low-end torque to the vehicles’ 3.0L EcoBoost engines via a recalibration from Ford Performance Parts.

For the Ranger Raptor, torque jumps from 430 lb.-ft. (583 Nm) to 536 lb.-ft. (727 Nm), and horsepower goes up from 405 to 455.  The Bronco Raptor’s torque rises from 440 lb.-ft. (597 Nm) to 536 lb.-ft. (727 Nm) and horsepower climbs from 418 to 455.

The upgrades are available for 2024 Ranger Raptor and 2022-2024 Bronco Raptors and allow for improved throttle response and an optimized shift schedule, says Ford. Pricing  for the boosts is $825 and can be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points. Also, anyone who registers their vehicle and attends Raptor Rally, a one-day event near the Ford Performance Racing School in Fairfield, UT, on Sept. 21, will receive a 20%-off coupon good for the calibration tool and other eligible accessories.

The calibration can be purchased online to be installed at a local dealer.

Ford offers similar upgrades on the Mustang and F-Series trucks.  These kits include engine recalibration, intake and exhaust upgrades and sometimes suspension modifications.

There is a growing business in after-sales enhancements, whether they are manually installed or delivered via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Chevrolet, for example, offers performance upgrades for their performance cars, such as the Camaro and Corvette, which include recalibrations of the engine control unit (ECU) and other enhancements.

Dodge has revived its Direct Connection program, offering performance kits for the Challenger and Charger. These upgrades include engine tuning, suspension kits and other performance enhancements that need to be installed and calibrated by authorized technicians at Dodge dealerships.

Toyota offers performance upgrades through TRD, which may include engine tuning, suspension adjustments and other performance enhancements for the Supra and Tacoma.

VW R-Line Performance Upgrades: Volkswagen offers performance upgrades for the Golf R and GTI through their R-Line accessories.

Automakers are increasingly investing in OTA capabilities, allowing vehicles to receive performance enhancements remotely. This includes power boosts, improved acceleration, enhanced battery management for EVs and updates to driving dynamics.

By 2026, it is expected that most new vehicles, especially electric and high-end models, will support OTA updates. This will allow manufacturers to continuously refine vehicle performance and offer new features post-purchase.

Automakers also are exploring subscription models for performance upgrades. Customers can pay for temporary or permanent access to enhanced features, such as extra horsepower or faster acceleration modes.