Ford PH quietly removes Ranger Raptor, new-gen on the way?

MANILA: Ford Philippines may have gone all out in launching the all-new Ranger, but now it has quietly removed the brawny Ranger Raptor from the company’s website. Does this mean the next-gen Raptor could soon make its way to the country?

Our neighbor Thailand is already taking reservations for the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor. As before, the Ford Ranger's hardcore version is the Raptor. The latest one is said to be the most advanced one to date, with smarter technology controlling stronger, next-generation hardware.

The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor’s next-gen hardware starts with its chassis. The next-generation Ranger Raptor is designed to withstand demanding off-road conditions thanks to bespoke frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower, and rear shock bracket, as well as Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements on the C-pillar, load box, and spare wheel.

For a high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor, Ford engineers had to totally redesign the suspension. Long-travel front and rear suspension, new aluminum upper and lower control arms, and a reworked Watt's link rear end have all been intended to improve handling over rough terrain at high speeds.

The modern control technology is included in the Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers of the newest generation, enabling position-sensitive damping. The shock absorbers on the Ranger Raptor are the most sophisticated ones ever installed, and they are filled with oil that has been injected with Teflon to reduce friction by nearly 50% compared to the previous design.

Fox provided the hardware, but Ford Performance worked on tuning and development utilizing a combination of real-world testing and computer-aided engineering. For the perfect balance of comfort, control, stability, and traction on and off the road, every change from the spring rate to ride height, valve tuning, and ride zone honing was made.

Like the model it replaces, the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor can handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts — thanks to its seven selectable drive modes. Among these drive modes are the off-road focused Baja mode, which tunes the vehicle's electronic systems for best performance during high-speed off-roading.

In each drive mode, adjustments are made to the engine and transmission, as well as to the ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, and throttle response. Depending on the selected drive mode, the gauges, vehicle information, and color schemes of the instrument cluster and center touchscreen also change.

Not only does the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor boast different drive modes, but the characteristics of the steering, suspension damping, and exhaust system can also be switched by the driver. This, partly covers the “smarter technology” found in this performance truck. For example, by pressing a button on the Ranger Raptor’s steering wheel or selecting a drive mode that applies one of the following settings, the driver can choose their preferred engine sound.

Quiet mode tones down the exhaust noise to avoid bothering neighbors in the early mornings. Normal produces a distinct exhaust note, but one that is not overly loud for street use. Sport is true to its name with a more dynamic and louder note. Lastly, Baja — the most distinctive exhaust profile in terms of volume and note — is said to work like a straight-pipe system and is intended solely for off-road use.

The Thailand-market 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by the same engine and transmission as that of its European counterpart. The powertrain consists of a three-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that courses its 391hp and 583Nm of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

A race-bred anti-lag technology, similar to that found on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST, ensures that the engine responds swiftly to throttle inputs, and it enables quick boost delivery when needed, Ford’s performance division assured.

Previously, the carmaker said that the previous Ranger Raptor’s two-liter bi-turbo diesel engine will continue to be available in the next-gen pickup starting in 2023, with more details to be released closer to launch.

Considering how strongly the old bi-turbo engine puts its 215hp and 500Nm of torque on the road, it is easy to see why there is clamor and demand for an oil-burner under the hood of the next-gen Ranger Raptor. The new generation's uprated old engine should also see power and torque gains. 

And considering how much the old Raptor was adored — and our proximity from Thailand — it is also easy to pine for the new brawny pickup to go Philippines-bound.

During the launch of the 2022 Ranger and Everest, we at ZIGWHEELS PHILIPPINES could not help asking Ford Philippines Managing Director Michael Breen if the company has plans in bringing in the performance pickup. To which Breen responded: "We're not in the place to talk about what the next offerings are. Today, we're taking advantage of what (Ranger and Everest) models we have to share."

With the old model seemingly phased out, the local Ford distributor could be close to making fans of the fierce pickup and trucks excited again.

Photos from Ford, Ford Thailand and Ford Philippines

Also read: WATCH: Next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor to redefine off-road performance