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Ford Ranger Raptor is built for adventure: Woohoo!

The all-new 2024 Ford Ranger lineup includes a ruggedized 405-hp Raptor model that shares a lot of Bronco DNA. It's the most powerful and off-road-capable Ranger ever, and is designed and engineered by Ford Performance to take adventure seekers to the next level.

Race-proven in the Baja 1000, Ranger Raptor expands the Raptor family of high-performance vehicles that includes the F-150 Raptor, F-150 Raptor R, and Bronco Raptor.

The Ranger Raptor is a midsize truck that boasts a Ford Performance-tuned twin-turbo 3.0-L EcoBoost V6 that produces 430 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class maximum available horsepower. The engine sports a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block and makes use of a race-bred anti-turbo-lag system to enable boost on demand in Baja mode. It keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to 3 sec after the driver backs off the throttle, so acceleration is assured while exiting corners. Bolted to the EcoBoost engine is a class-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission mated to an advanced four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled, on-demand, two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials.

The heart of every Raptor is its suspension. Ranger Raptor starts with a purpose-built suspension that includes lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms and a long-travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage and trailing arms for control and confidence in off-road conditions.

Ranger Raptor's next-gen FOX 2.5-in. Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear to reduce heat build-up for uninterrupted performance no matter the terrain. The truck has 10.7 in. of ground clearance.

Ranger Raptor is only available as a crew cab with a 5-ft cargo bed. It takes the standard Ranger's fully boxed frame up a notch by reinforcing the front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, suspension mounting points, and other key areas. For the 2024 Ranger line, the wheelbase and track both have been stretched about 2 in. to provide more bed space and improved stability. Towing capacity is about 5,500 lb, while payload is about 1,400.

The FOX Live Valve Internal Bypass system changes damping performance based on Ranger Raptor's Drive Modes. The modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja, which were all developed to provide better on-road comfort, off-road control, capability, and ride quality at high and low speeds.

Each selectable drive mode appropriately adjusts the tuning of the engine, transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, steering, throttle response, and even the instrument cluster and touch screen look and information presented. The active valve exhaust system can also be tuned to several modes including Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja settings. Ranger Raptor also comes with Trail Control, so drivers can navigate tricky spots while the truck manages the throttle and brakes.

The overall design of the new Ranger line is a no-fuss affair punctuated by unique grilles and front-end appearances for XL, XLT, and Lariat models. For the Ranger Raptor, its modern styling starts with LED projector headlights to light up the night flanked by C-clamp signature lighting. Bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille sits above an all-steel bumper with integrated, frame-mounted front and rear tow hooks and LED taillights that provide a signature C-clamp link to the front.

Flared fenders with functional fender vents house beefy 33-in. BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 tires on 17-in. wheels that can be mounted to optional beadlock-capable wheels with available bead locks for running extra-low tire pressures in sand and rocky conditions. Ranger Raptor also sports serious underbody protection. The thick front bash plate is made of high-strength steel and is complemented by dedicated engine, transfer case, and fuel tank shields.

The Raptor's cab is built for performance, with a sport steering wheel that includes cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters for quick transmission control and a signature Raptor centering mark in a Code Orange color. Six overhead upfitter switches mounted in the overhead console simplify powering off-road hardware.

The 360-Degree Camera and Front View Camera features are a big help for off-roading, and the Zone Lighting is great for night. The truck also has class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist to help back up boats and campers at the kinds of remote locations Raptors are built to reach.

Raptor Ranger also comes with a high-res 12.4-in. digital instrument cluster and 12-in. center touchscreen running SYNC 4A, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto wireless smartphone connectivity, and there's a Bang & Olufsen sound system to pump out your favorite tunes. The truck also features 400 W of in-bed power for charging devices, as well as USB sockets and wireless charging in the cab.

Unique Ford Performance front seats are supportive, with extra bolstering to hold drivers in place during high-speed cornering. The rest of the cab includes premium materials trimmed in Code Orange.

Ford will begin taking orders for the Ranger Raptor later this month (May), with availability late this summer. Official pricing has not been released, but it should be around $56,000.

See the full new 2024 Ranger lineup and sign up for Ranger Raptor updates at ford.com/trucks/ranger/2024/. There are many more features to explore.

Source: Ford

Published May 2023

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