The next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor has been previewed ahead of a February 2022 reveal during the company’s live stream of the new Ranger ute’s reveal today.
Very little detail is given about the new performance ute, however a shadowy sneak peek shows the front end with the new Ranger’s C-shaped LED light signature as well as the ‘FORD’ script across the grille, a Raptor design trademark.
What else? Well, the vision is overlaid with what sounds like a V6 petrol engine revving in the background – somewhat confirming previous reports the new Ranger Raptor will be powered by a twin-turbo V6.
Such an engine would bolster the standard ute’s four- and six-cylinder diesel options, as well as the 2.3-litre turbo petrol destined for markets like the United States.
It’s believed the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor’s V6 will either be the 3.0-litre twin-turbo used in the US-market Explorer SUV, which is available in both 272kW/515Nm and 300kW/563Nm tunes, or the 231kW/540Nm 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the Bronco 4×4 – which shares its T6 architecture with the Aussie-developed dual-cab.
Regardless, both engines come equipped with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels.
Any of the three engine options would be quite an upgrade over the current vehicle, at least in terms of performance, with its 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel.
Beyond the upgrades announced for the new-generation Ranger, expect the Ranger Raptor to follow the precedent of the current model, meaning upgraded off-road suspension, all-terrain tyres, flared guards, and unique styling. Also expect a smattering of Ford Performance bits now that Ford’s go-fast division is in full swing globally.
The next-generation Ford Ranger will launch in Australia around the middle of 2022, headlined by an overhauled design inside and out, four-cylinder and V6 turbo-diesel engines, an available 12-inch vertical touchscreen running the company’s latest Sync 4 infotainment interface, as well as increased axle loads and a GVM increase.
Other headline upgrades include a new available full-time 4×4 system (likely exclusive to the V6 diesel), and over-the-air software updates for more than 50 on-board modules.
Ford is expected to launch a plug-in hybrid version of the new Ranger and Everest in the coming years, too. Get everything you need to know about the 2022 Ford Ranger here.
2023 Ranger Raptor 
Current Ranger Raptor 
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