Scoop: New Ranger Raptor Turbo V6 Set For the US at Last
Exclusive Image of ‘States-bound Twin-Turbo V6 Ranger Raptor Based on Latest Spy Pictures.
This is How Ford Truck Enthusiasts expects the new Ford Ranger Raptor to look. And this one is coming to the ‘States!
Our exclusive scoop render above is based on latest spy pictures of the forthcoming Ford Ranger Raptor, caught testing together with its similarly upcoming Bronco Raptor sibling last week. Speculation, however, continues around what will power the new super truck. Reliable sources, as well as Ford hints, suggest it will be a V6 EcoBoost. But let’s back up a bit..
What We Already Know About the New Ranger
New Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Ford has already confirmed that its new Ranger (above) will arrive in North America very soon with an upgraded chassis under a bold new F150-like look. They promise its re-worked suspension will bring excellent ride and handling. Single, SuperCab, and SuperCrew models, as well as XLT, Sport, and Lariat trim levels, will continue with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-pot in either rear, or four-wheel drive.
There will be over-the-air updatable 10.1 or 12-inch SYNC4 touchscreen infotainment inside. The voice-activated center stack system has a 360-degree camera And there are clever cabin storage and other convenient owner features. Getting technical, new Ranger rides on a 2 inch longer wheelbase and 2” wider track. Those enhanced dimensions bring a range of new advantages. Including a 2-inch broader load box that can now fit a full-size pallet.
More importantly, however, that makes for more space in the engine bay larger V6 engines, while also future-proofing Ranger for other propulsion technologies. There are a few other reasons for the bigger engine bay, but among the key requirements was to improve access during build and reduce complexity during assembly. And of course fit Ford’s latest generation EcoBoost V6 engines, which need more space to accept turbo locations, dual battery options, and the like.
Previous Raptor Never Came to the US
2021 Ranger Raptor (International Only)
All of which leads to speculation around the next Raptor being a global model (read US too). Ford has already teased the Raptor’s soundtrack (listen to it below) and there’s little doubt that there’s a gas V6 lurking in that bigger new engine bay. But which V6? Well, Ford has remained mum on that, but the smart money suggests a 3.0L EcoBoost.
Plausibly the 400 HP kW 415 lb.-ft 3-litre gas Twin Turbo DOHC VCT EcoBoost 3.0L V6 out of Lima, Ohio. Those test mules also reveal V6 giveaway twin exhaust outlets. And spy videos report that raspy V6 tone. That’s of course over and above the rest of the Raptor fare. Which includes racy wheels with all-terrain tires and BF Goodrich KO2s that appear carried over from the outgoing Raptor (above).
Raptor will also carry over its elevated ride height courtesy of high-performance all-coil suspension. Expect a bespoke Watts Linkage rear-end and nitrogen-filled Fox dampers. Ford’s super truck will include even wider wheel tracks than the already broader new Ranger. Under flared wheel-arches and extra spats each end of robust high-clearance side steps.
FTE’s contacts deep inside the Blue Oval were coy on our approaches around the new Ranger Raptor. But one did confirm, “Definitely, new Raptor is going to blow your mind and hair back!” Expect official news on the new Raptor and its due date in the coming weeks. The smart money is once again on that being a mid-2022 launch. Which should lead to a new mid-size super truck war. Ford’s truck rivals are unlikely to simply stand back and watch. Bring it on!
Ford Ranger Raptor Sound Teaser
Render & Raptor image: Michele Lupini
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