Ford’s Ranger Raptor Will Take Next-Generation Pickup to New Levels

Ford’s getting ready to roll out an all-new version of its Ranger pickup. But the big news is that it will offer a high-performance Raptor version of the midsize truck — and right from launch.

The Detroit automaker won’t reveal the new Ranger Raptor until Wednesday evening, but it’s giving the world a tease of what’s to come with a new 15-second spot airing Saturday night. And while there aren’t many details to go by, TheDetroitBureau.com has learned a fair bit about what’s in store.

For one thing, expect the pickup to share the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine as Ford currently offers in the Bronco Raptor SUV. That will give it plenty of muscle, with the package expected to push out at least 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.

That will be directed through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. And while Ford is likely to continue offering both two- and all-wheel drive versions of the 2024 Ranger, Raptor will be available in an off-road-ready four-wheel-drive configuration.

Enhancing traction

To better handle whatever a driver throws at it, expect the Ranger Raptor to feature electronically locking front and rear differentials, as well as a variety of digitally controlled features meant to enhance traction. That will include Trail Control, Ford’s combined hill climb and descent system, essentially an off-road cruise control.

Other features are likely to be borrowed from the original F-150 and Bronco Raptor models including

* Turn Assist, which locks up one of the rear brakes to make especially tight turns;

* One-Pedal driving which lets you modulate the throttle to speed up or slow down, rather than jumping back-and-forth from throttle to brake: and

* Trail Control. Simply by turning a  rotary knob on the center console will switch between a variety of different drive modes, such as “Mud and Ruts” and “Rock Crawl,” modifying vehicle  settings such as throttle response, transmission shifts, damping and more;

Bigger, badder

Raptor is based on an all-new version of the Ford Ranger which is expected to be a bit larger than the outgoing pickup. And, if the F-150 and Bronco Raptor packages are any indication, the Ranger version will be bigger and brawnier, while also offering more ground clearance than more conventional trim packages.

Based on the European version of the truck — which launched late last year — the U.S. version of Raptor will add skid plates. And, to give it more ground clearance and a better ride, expect it to feature 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve shocks. The truck is also said to introduce the new “Bottom-Out Control,” system meant to maximize damping during the final 25% of shock travel. And if you do slam into a rock, the drivetrain is protected by thick new skid plates.

Ranger Raptor’s interior will be all-new, as well. And the American version is expected to load up on high-tech features, including twin digital displays, the latest version of the Sync infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a WiFi hotspot.

Expect to see that technology upgraded, as with Bronco, to allow drivers to track vehicle performance, especially when operating off-road. One or more cameras may be in the offing, as well.

Pricing and availability

Like the Bronco Raptor, the Ranger version will likely feature more heavily bolstered seats and more rugged — and easily cleaned — fabrics and other materials.

And don’t be surprised if Ford offers a Ranger version of the Bronco Trail App it announced earlier this month, it’s designed to let motorists find and navigate 1,200 “professionally curated” off-road trails in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Drivers will be able to add their own notes, pictures and videos and then share them on social media and online forums.

Ford plans to tell us more on Wednesday, May 10. Among other things, we’re hoping to find out more about pricing and when the 2024 Ranger Raptor will wind up in U.S. showrooms. That’s likely to be sometime during the second half of this year.

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/05/fords-ranger-raptor-will-take-next-generation-pickup-to-new-levels/