THE local introduction on Sept. 21 of the first Raptor version of the Ford Ranger expands Ford Philippines’ pickup truck lineup to nine choices, eight of which are Ranger variants, and the other being the new high-performance Ranger Raptor. All the previously available versions of the pickup have been upgraded with new equipment and styling. The updated variants were introduced along with the Ranger Raptor.
Prices for the Ranger variants are set between P1.029 million and P1.695 million. The Ranger Raptor is initially offered for P1.898 million.
Both the Ranger Raptor and Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4×4 AT — the most expensive Ranger — are propelled by Ford’s new 2.0-liter diesel engine that has both variable geometry and fixed geometry turbochargers, allowing for an output of 210 hp and 500 Nm. The engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is also used in the Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 AT, which in turn is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that has a single turbocharger, instead of the twin turbos found on the Ranger Raptor and Ranger Bi-Turbo Wildtrak.
“ULTIMATE RANGER”
“The Ranger Raptor showcases the best of Ford Performance’s expertise in vehicle design and engineering, and we know our customers are really looking forward to enjoying its immense off-road capabilities,” said Bertrand Lessard, managing director at Ford Philippines.
Previewed by Ford in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 7, the Ranger Raptor is the smaller version of the off-road racing-inspired Ford F-150 Raptor, and is meant to be sold mainly in certain Asia-Pacific markets. The Ranger Raptor has a beefed-up chassis with stouter suspension pieces that allow for more wheel travel and a wider track — improving the truck’s high-velocity capability off-road. Residing at the frame’s rear is a new coil-over set and a Watt’s link to better manage the lateral movements of a solid rear axle. Up in front, the shock absorber towers have been bolstered.
Raising the chassis’s performance further are Position Sensitive Damping shock absorbers made by Fox Racing, which Ford said are tuned for control and comfort over pavement or rough terrain. Holding the shocks in place are aluminum upper and lower arms.
Supporting the Ranger Raptor’s suspension bits are 17-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 tires that were specifically developed for the truck. Braking has been improved by larger twin-piston calipers and ventilated rotors all around.
The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a full range of electronic driver-assist systems, traction and stability governors, and convenience features. These include the Terrain Management System that integrates Baja mode, basically a desert rally racing setting in which systems like traction control do not intervene as much. The mode also holds gears longer and would downshift more aggressively.
Identifying the Ranger Raptor from the rest of Ranger lineup are its wider fenders, composite wheel arches, a more imposing grille and bumpers, and off-road-specific side step boards, among other items.
“The Ranger Raptor is truly the ultimate Ranger, said Rodel Gallega, marketing and sales vice-president at Ford Philippines.
REFRESHED RANGERS
Depending on equipment level, the Ranger can come fitted with autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and vehicles, active park assist that can steer the vehicle into a parking spot, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, tailgate lift assist, smart entry with push-button ignition and Sync3 — Ford’s multimedia connectivity system that links with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The truck’s exterior styling has been updated via a new grille, reshaped bumpers, LED daytime running lights and HID headlights (for the Wildtrak variants), a hoop sports bar, and roof and bed rails.
Ford said it also revised the Ranger’s suspension in order to reduce and better control the truck’s body roll and make it steer more precisely. But the changes, according to Ford, do not affect the truck’s towing and payload ratings.
Both the Ranger Raptor and the updated Ranger variants are now available at Ford dealerships. The Ranger Raptor is offered in five colors while the Ranger comes in eight. — Brian M. Afuang
