Ford Unleashes Ranger Raptor in Germany

Ford debuts its new Ranger Raptor in Cologne, Germany, and says the toughest and most high-performing version ever of Europe’s best-selling pickup will be released in Europe in mid-2019.

The launch at Gamescom – Europe’s biggest event of its kind for the European computer and video-game industries –  makes Ford the first manufacturer to debut a new vehicle at the event.

Developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader, the first-ever Ranger Raptor will go on sale powered by a twin-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0L EcoBlue diesel 4-cyl. that delivers 210 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque, mated to Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The Raptor is supported by a Ford Performance chassis optimized for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.

Built to withstand high-impact off-road events, the super-strong reinforced chassis frame uses high-strength, low-alloy steels to endure the punishment delivered by off-road racing.

The race-bred suspension is crafted to tackle fearsome terrain at high speed. Fox shock absorbers use position sensitive damping to deliver both extreme off-roading capability and a smooth ride on-road.

The high-performance dampers with 1.8-in. (46.6-mm) pistons are supported by aluminum control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front and a bespoke new coil-over rear suspension featuring an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement.

All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tires have been developed for the Raptor. Measuring 33 ins. (838 mm) in diameter and 11.2 ins. (285 mm) wide, the design offers a tough sidewall to handle the most formidable environments. An aggressive off-road tread provides grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.

Ford Performance Director-Europe Leo Roeks says people can forget everything they think they know about pickups.

“Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can tow, haul and toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions,” Roeks says in a statement.

The Ranger Raptor features unique underbody protection to deflect off-road obstacles. The new bash plate is made from high-strength steel and is in addition to the standard engine and transfer case under-shields.

A dramatic new grille inspired by the world’s first factory-built high-performance off-road truck – the Ford F‑150 Raptor – dominates the space between the xenon high-intensity discharge headlights and above a frame-mounted front bumper.

The front bumper also includes new LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts that improve airflow around the body.

Flared composite front fenders are designed to shrug off damage from off-road usage and allow for longer suspension travel and oversized tires. The side step boards are designed to prevent rock spray from hitting the rear of the truck and feature drain points for sand, mud and snow.

Bolstered seats are specially designed for off-road high-speed support with a dual-firmness cushion for ultimate comfort and suede-effect materials for enhanced grip.

Lightweight, racing-style magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes are accessible near the perforated leather hand grips of the steering wheel, which uses an on-center marker to help drivers keep track of wheel position off-road.

Drivers can select from six terrain management modes – normal, emphasizing comfort, fuel economy and drivability; sport, more responsive for spirited on-road driving; grass/gravel/snow, designed to inspire safe and confidence on off-road slippery and uneven surfaces; mud/sand, tuning vehicle responses for optimum traction and momentum; rock, for low-speed rocky terrain where smooth controllability is key; and Baja, tuning responses for high-speed off-road performance, the way drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally.

Ford engineers tested the powertrain in the most fatiguing conditions, including running the high-pressure and low-pressure turbochargers until they glowed red-hot for 200 hours non-stop. The two turbochargers work in series at lower engine speeds for enhanced torque and responsiveness. At higher rpm, the larger low-pressure turbocharger delivers peak power.

Driver assistance and safety technologies include an enhanced version of Ford Stability Control incorporating Roll Mitigation Function; Electronic Stability Control; Trailer Sway Control; Hill Start Assist; Hill Descent Control; and Load Adaptive Control.

The interior’s central 8-in. (20-cm) color touchscreen features navigation technology that comes into its own when off-roading in remote locations, even offering a “breadcrumb” feature to leave a trail when exploring unchartered areas.

Roeks says the Ranger Raptor delivers all the tools a thrill-seeker could ask for.

“Like a motocross bike, snowmobile and an ATV in one – it’s the ultimate adventure pick-up,” he says.