Ford Ranger Raptor (2023)

A high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor needs the running gear to match, so Ford engineers completely redesigned the suspension. All-new tough yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt's link rear end have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed.

"The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX® Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance," Burn said.

The next-generation FOX® 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers feature cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted to Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon™ infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 per cent compared to those on the outgoing vehicle.

While the hardware is FOX®, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing. Everything from adjusting the spring rates to setting the ride height, valve tuning and honing the ride zones was performed to create the perfect balance between comfort, control, stability and traction on- and off-road.

Linked to Ford Ranger Raptor's revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve internal bypass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed.

In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare Next-Gen Ranger Raptor for different conditions. As the shocks compress, different zones within the bypass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used, and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height.

To provide protection against severe bottom outs, race-proven FOX® Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25 per cent of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability. With the shocks providing the right amount of damping force at every position, Ranger Raptor stays planted on both the road and track.

Ranger Raptor's ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with some serious underbody protection. The front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Next Gen Ranger's unit and is made from 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel. This plate, combined with the engine undershield and transfer case shield, is designed to protect key components such as the radiator, steering system, front crossmember, engine sump and front differential.

Twin rated tow hooks at the front and rear provide flexible recovery options while driving off road; the design facilitates access to one of the tow hooks if the other is buried, as well as enabling the use of balance straps during snatch recoveries in deep sand or thick mud.

All-terrain control

For the first time, Ford Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with an all new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials - a valuable feature for hardcore off-road enthusiasts.

"While Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers, it's also a supremely capable overlanding vehicle. Out of the box we've created an off-road vehicle that you don't need to modify to get you where you need to go and back again safely," Burn said.

Helping Next-Gen Ranger Raptor handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts, plus everything in between, are seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road oriented Baja mode, which configures the vehicle's electronic systems for ultimate performance during high-speed off roading.

"We really wanted Baja mode to be the ultimate expression of the high-speed off road capability," Burn said. "It's a feature at the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects."

Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode.

• On-road
  • Normal - designed for comfort and fuel efficiency
  • Sport - more responsive for spirited on-road driving
  • Slippery - for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces
• Off-road
  • Rock crawl - for optimum control in very low speed driving over extreme rocky and uneven terrain
  • Sand - optimises gearchanges and power delivery for progress in sand and deep snow
  • Mud/Ruts - for maximum grip during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum
  • Baja - sets all systems to maximum attack for peak high-speed off-road performance

Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor also features Trail Control™, which is like cruise control for off roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.

Tough and athletic

Matching the enhanced capability of Ford Ranger Raptor is an all-new look that builds on Next Gen Ranger's bold, strong style. Flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlight designs emphasise the pick up's width, while bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille and the tough separate bumper add more visual muscle.

"Everything designed for the Ranger Raptor is there for a reason," said Dave Dewitt, Ranger Raptor exterior design manager. "We're communicating what Raptor can do just by the way it looks."

The matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights push Ranger Raptor's lighting performance to new levels, featuring predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling to deliver better visibility for Ranger Raptor drivers and other road users.

The flared fenders cover muscular 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Raptor-exclusive performance all terrain tyres. Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature styling link to the front, while the Precision Grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle.

Inside, the theme continues to emphasise Ford Ranger Raptor's off-road performance and high energy nature. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering.

The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by Ranger Raptor's ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast-magnesium paddle shifters completes the sporty feel.

Occupants will also benefit from the latest digital technology; the high tech cabin features a 12.4 inch all-digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen boasting Ford's new-generation SYNC 4A® connectivity and entertainment system that delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility at no extra cost. A 10-speaker B&O® sound system provides the soundtrack to your next adventure.

Part of the Ford Performance family

The roots of the Raptor name lie in North America, where Ford has used it on high performance pick-up trucks and utility vehicles since the first-generation F-150 SVT Raptor, which was optimised for high-speed off-road performance. The Ford Performance-developed Ranger Raptor expanded the Raptor badge to other global markets in 2018, including to a new audience of hardcore off road truck fans in Europe.

More recently, Ford Performance has announced the Bronco Raptor performance SUV and limited-edition Bronco DR desert racer in North America. Ford also recently proved its rugged racing credentials in the FIA World Rally Championship's electrified era; nine time champion Sébastien Loeb and co driver Isabelle Galmiche took victory at the iconic Monte Carlo Rally in the M Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 car.

The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor continues this legacy, with a purpose built vehicle that balances daily duties with performance never before seen in a pick-up of Ranger's size.

"We knew that customers would expect improved performance with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, but I'm not sure they're really expecting the enormous leap we've made. It's a seriously fun truck to drive and I think the raw performance is going to blow them away," Burn said.