2023 Ford Ranger Raptor enters European market

MANILA: The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived in Europe, raising the standard for off-road performance and epitomizing smarter, tougher, and more capable character present in every new-generation Ford Ranger.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is the first new Ranger model to arrive in Europe, giving European Ranger fans a special reason to be excited.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor, developed by Ford Performance, is the most powerful version of the latest Ford Ranger. It is the most advanced Ranger ever, combining raw power with mechanical and technical precision provided by smarter technology and sturdier, next-generation hardware.

“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the all-new Ranger Raptor. It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made,” Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer for Ford Ranger Raptor Dave Burn stated.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that delivers 292ps and 491Nm of torque.

The cylinder block of the engine is made of graphite-iron, which is up to 75% stiffer and 75% stronger than iron used in regular castings. A race-bred anti-lag system, similar to the one first seen on the Ford GT road car and Ford Focus ST, allows for rapid boost delivery when needed. Ford Performance made sure the engine responds immediately to throttle adjustments.

The new anti-lag technology keeps the turbochargers running for up to three seconds after the driver releases the throttle, enabling a faster return to acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver pushes the accelerator again. For optimal performance, the engine is built with a unique turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission's gears.

“The 3.0-liter engine brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast. The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leave you grinning from ear-to-ear,” Burn said.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor may adjust its vocal character, thanks to an electronically controlled active exhaust system that boosts the engine note in four selectable modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja.

Customers in Europe may also order a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor starting in early 2023.

Compared to existing Ford Ranger models, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor sports a different chassis frame and suspension. The ultra-tough pickup can withstand rigorous off-road conditions, thanks to a number of Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements for elements like the C-pillar, load box, and spare wheel, as well as special frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower, and rear shock bracket.

Ford engineers fully rebuilt the suspension since the running gear for a high-performance off-road vehicle like the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor must match. Long-travel front and rear suspension, all-new, strong yet lightweight upper and lower control arms, and an improved Watt's link rear end have all been developed to provide more control over challenging terrain at high speeds.

“The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new Fox Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance,” Burn stated.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor features a state-of-the-art full-time four-wheel drive system, together with an entirely new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. Both front and rear locking differentials are now available just on the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor, with the new front differential offering a useful additional feature for off-road enthusiasts.

“While Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers, it’s also a supremely capable overlanding vehicle. Out of the box we’ve created an off-road vehicle that you don’t need to modify to get you where you need to go and back again safely,” Burn said.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor has seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road oriented Baja mode, which configures the vehicle's electronic systems for maximum performance during high-speed off-roading, helping it manage anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts, plus everything in between.

“We really wanted Baja mode to be the ultimate expression of the high-speed off‑road capability. It’s a feature at the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects,” Burn said.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor features an all-new look that complements the pickup's improved capability. Its wide body is emphasized by flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlights, and its visual strength is reinforced by the large Ford lettering on the grille and the robust separate bumper.

“Everything designed for the Ranger Raptor is there for a reason. We’re communicating what Raptor can do just by the way it looks,” Ford Ranger Raptor Exterior Design Manager Dave Dewitt stated.

The interior also highlights the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor’s off-road performance and high‑energy nature. The jet fighter-inspired sports seats improve comfort and provide additional support during high-speed cornering.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor's ambient lighting, which illuminates the cabin with an amber glow, echoes the Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim, and seats. The sporty vibe is completed by a premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-center marking, and cast-magnesium paddle shifters.

The high-tech interior is equipped with an all-digital 12.4-inch instrument panel and a 12-inch center touchscreen with Ford's new-generation Sync 4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility at no additional cost. The soundtrack for the next adventure is produced by a 10-speaker B&O sound system.

Photos from Ford

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