The Ford Ranger Raptor is pretty much ahead of the curve when it comes to the premium pick-up truck segment. It’s a vehicle so good at what it does, even Mercedes-Benz struggles to replicate its success. But rather than wait around for the competition to catch up, Ford are taking steps to increase the appeal of the Ranger Raptor in certain markets.
We know that Ford and Volkswagen are teaming up to co-produce the next generation Ranger and Amarok pick-ups. The work on these will mostly be done by Ford, and we can expect to see exciting new things like a plug-in hybrid pick-up format, which is completely unheard of.
CarExpert, the Australian automotive site, have also received information regarding the use of a new engine for the Ranger Raptor variant of this new pick-up. According to an official document, Ford, are working on integrating their 2.7L V6 EcoBoost petrol engine into this performance-oriented premium pickup. The 2.7L V6 EcoBoost is capable of 325hp and 542Nm of torque, a sizeable jump in power over the 210hp and 500Nm of torque available from the current 2-litre biturbo diesel engine. This engine will be paired to the familiar 10-speed automatic which now comes with a permanent all-wheel drive system.
This petrol engine is apparently only destined for the US-market, where pick-up trucks are regularly sold with petrol engines. In other markets where the Ford Ranger Raptor is sold, we can expect the familiar 2-litre diesel, but possibly the 3.0L V6 diesel that’s found on the Ford F-150.
This 3-litre is capable of 255hp and 600Nm of torque, so again, a sizeable bump in performance for the Ranger Raptor either way. This 3-litre engine also comes with an always-on all-wheel drive system.
These upgrades to performance also will come with a marked increase in perceived quality. The current Ford Ranger Raptor already does a pretty good job at feeling and looking a little more premium than its competitors. With the next generation model, the difference will be even more apparent, though no details in this department can be accurately shared at this point. What’s safe to say, though, is that the price is going to go up too. It will also be interesting to see what Volkswagen will do with the Amarok, and whether there will be an equivalent to the Ranger Raptor planned with a VW badge.
