First test in Greece: New Ford Ranger Raptor

The new generation of the bestial Ranger Raptor is the best “tool” for those who thirst for adventure, with its studied technical characteristics giving an unprecedented feeling of safety and control to its driver.

The Ranger is the model with which the Ford it changed the way Europeans viewed pickups. The creation of the Raptor version in the previous generation, proved that a neat and very successful model of this category, he can find a place in the garage of an individual who does not carry out agricultural work or does not need the cargo space of the cart.

And so we learned on the old continent, what they have known for years in the United States., namely performance sport utility trucks. Yes, we learned it from the best and fittest of its kindbecause the first generation of the model left the best impressions for the future.

Completely updated

The new Ford Ranger Raptor is based on an upgraded version of the previous generation’s ladder chassis, with the similarities between the new and old generation ending there. However, the frame has received further reinforcements at key points which improve stiffness and allow the suspension to work even more properly.

The importance of output for Ford is very great, not only to demonstrate the capabilities of its engineers, but also because it has performed commercially. Not without reason, we would say, as this is a very solid and capable proposition for those whose lifestyle requires them to own a vehicle with great all-terrain displacement capabilities. And all this, without special concessions and with all modern comforts.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is slightly larger than the outgoing model, which means that in urban use it will be uncomfortable, because it has the dimensions of a large and muscular SUV. Its length reaches 5.36 meters, its width slightly exceeds 2 meters, and its height reaches 1.97 meters.

We also find a small difference in the wheelbase of the new model compared to the old one, which is a little longer and extends to 3.27 meters. Besides, according to the Ford Performance engineers who developed itthe new generation of Ranger Raptor has 27 points of ground clearance and can overcome a water barrier with a height of 85 centimeters.

The new Raptor not only stands out aesthetically in its class, but also among its other versions. In addition to the increased distance from the ground, it ensures electronically adjustable reinforced suspension with Fox (Live Valve) shock absorbersthe new Ranger Raptor features redesigned bumpers, a different grille that increases intake airflow, bolder fenders that cover 17-inch wheels with off-road bead tires and dual exhaust.

All this, however, they also give great freedom of movement to Ford’s new SUTwith the approach, ramp, and escape angles advertised by the blue oval, being 31 degrees, 24 degrees, and 27 degrees, respectively.

As for the features that support their “professional” statusthe dimensions of the Ranger Raptor double cabin body are 1.54 meters long, 1.22 meters wide (at the domes) and 53 cm high.

The all-new interior in turn underlines the adventurous off-road character of the new Ranger Raptor. The cabin features new front and rear sport seatswhich Ford says are inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet and developed by its engineers and designers.

At the same time, passengers are entertained by the latest digital technologies, as well as in the advanced cabin a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster dominates with endless driver information and a 12-inch center touchscreen for Ford’s next-generation SYNC 4 connectivity and entertainment system.

The cabin consists of good quality hard plastics that show they will stand up to time and abusebut we would like in some places to have a slightly neater fit.

Ergonomics are quite good and driver familiarization time is short, while practicality is also increased, thanks to the larger pockets it has for small everyday items. It should also be noted that, dome light includes pre-installed wiring with switches for the electrical operation of future accessories installed by its owner.

Built Ford tough

With some exceptions, the majority of pick-ups on the European market are diesel-powered, which was also the case with the first generation Ranger Raptor. With the second generation however, the range of the new Ford Ranger Raptor consists of two versions, a gasoline and a diesel.

Both engines are advanced by Ford itself, for examplewith the appropriate “treatment” by Ford Performance engineers. The petrol version with the 3-litre EcoBoost V6 like the car we’re testing, it delivers 292 hp and 491 Nm, and it seems the ideal choice for obvious reasons. The powerful 2.0 EcoBlue 4-cylinder engine with 210 hp and 500 Nm is also present in the range, which logically ensures lower average consumption.

Both engine versions of the new Ranger Raptor are available exclusively with an automatic transmission ten-speed gearbox with the possibility of manual changes via the paddles on the steering wheel, and power is shared through a new optional all-wheel drive with transfer case and multi-disc clutch. Next to, supported by a limited slip differentialboth for the front axle (petrol) and for the rear axle.

The differences between the engine versions are not only found in the absence of the diesel version’s front differential lock, with the gasoline engine additionally featuring FOX’s new 2.5-inch Live Valve electronically controlled shock absorbers (the diesel engine has the reinforced reinforced FOX from the previous generation) and of course the necessary musical carpet from the exhaust which suits the macho character of the new Ranger Raptor (with adjustable flaps).

In terms of performance, the new Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 it offers an unprecedented sensation to European drivers in the category, since it only takes 7.9 seconds to go from standstill to 100 km/h. and its top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

box of ten it works exemplary in gear changes and in the Sport or Baja program it makes them even fasterthe accelerator pedal in these programs also having a superior response.

As is easily understood, the driver has aids andfive management programs available which intervene in the steering, engine, transmission, suspension and of course the optional four-wheel drive. Three of them are for asphalt riding (Normal, Sport and Slippery) and the other four for off-road use (Rock crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Baja).

In fact, in the Baja program intended for sporty driving on hard dirt roadsas it configures the electronic systems of the new Ranger Raptor for maximum performance during fast driving, hold 3 min. turbo rotation on the accelerator pedal, so that there is no lag when the driver presses the accelerator again.

Driving the Ranger Raptor 3 Liter you feel ready to take on the world, without you having to do anything. True, in urban conditions it will not feel comfortable due to its size, and you will have to drive carefully, as you would with a large SUV.

His post is one of the highlights of the issue and it offers unprecedented comfort and management of body movements for a car of this type. It is completely indifferent to the terrain and, as the driver accelerates, it performs even better.

As strange as it may seem, the Raptor is also a great flyer, again for category data. Regardless of the load, the rider will never feel any bouncing, and it also exhibits very good composure even near its top speed.

Off-road, on svelte and demanding tracks that “lift” the Baja program, the new Ranger Raptor is in its element. The suspension function is so “magical” that you can get carried away and pick up the paceliterally making acropolar crossings.

Naturally, an SUT with Ranger Raptor features that won’t leave you sanctified, will increase its consumption to a high level. During the test it was around 18.5litres/100km, with increasing trends the harder you push. At a more leisurely pace, consumption close to 15+ litres/100 km is achievable.

what you should

His new generation Ford Ranger Raptor cannot be considered as one more edition, because his multi-talented athleticism is beyond category and “plays” in the market alone.

Its versatile character offers comfort, performance, advanced on-road characteristics and endless off-road possibilities, in an impressive and complete package capable of attracting potential buyers from other categories as well (see SUV).

And if the 72,336 euros that the petrol version of the new Ranger Raptor costs seems like a lot to some, they should consider that it has, among other things the best performance components on the market and the racing expertise of Ford Performanceelements that in the end not only “perform”, but also seem to be offered at a reasonable price.

Features
Engine: 2,956 cc petrol, 292 hp/5,500 rpm, 491 Nm/2,300 rpm
Transmission: ten-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Performances: 7.9 min. 0-100 km/h, top speed 180 km/h
Consumption-CO2 emissions: 13.8 l/100km, 315g/km
Dimensions (Length/Width/Height): 5360/2028/1926mm, 3270mm wheelbase
lester: 2,555 kg
Trolley size: 1,564/1,224/529 mm.
Payload: 652kg
Price: From 68,970 euros (from 37,462 euros per range)