The first-ever Ranger Raptor is the most exciting and capable off-road vehicle Ford has ever sold in South Africa, embodying true Ford Performance DNA that is abundantly clear in the commanding presence created by its imposing dimensions and extreme styling, along with a uniquely appointed, race-inspired interior.
“The Ranger Raptor is unlike anything seen before in South Africa, and truly is the first of an entirely new breed of high-performance 4×4 pick-ups,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “The bold styling, with the purposely flared wheel arches, raised stance and aggressive wheel and tyre combination makes it clear that this is an exciting vehicle designed to conquer the toughest off-road conditions.”
Available in Ford Performance Blue, Colorado Red, Absolute Black, Frozen White and Conquer Grey colours with contrasting Dyno Grey accents, the new Ranger Raptor’s aggressive design is driven by performance and functionality.
A dramatic new grille inspired by the world’s first factory-built high performance off-road pick-up – the Ford F 150 Raptor – dominates the space between the high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with LED daytime running lights, positioned above a frame-mounted front bumper system. Offering desert durability performance, the front bumper also includes LED fog lamps with functional air curtain ducts that improve air flow around the body.
Striking, flared composite front fenders are designed to shrug off damage from off-road usage, and allow for longer suspension travel. The rugged oversized 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres are fitted to muscular 17-inch multi-spoke aluminium alloys that are unique to the Ranger Raptor.
Tough side step boards, which are finished with a grippy, anti-slip texture, are designed specifically to prevent rock spray from hitting the rear of the vehicle, and feature drain points for sand, mud and snow.
Access to the rear load box is facilitated by means of the new Easy Lift Tailgate. Relying on an integrated torsion rod system, the initial lift force to raise the tailgate is reduced by 70%. It also dampens the opening action as the torsion rod is wound up, and only a small amount of force is required to commence the opening, after which it begins to lower under its own weight
Race-inspired cabin
Ford Performance DNA is clearly present throughout the interior too, which delivers quality craftsmanship, harmonious colours and durable materials for driving scenarios ranging from high street to high altitude. The unique off-road sport seats are specially designed for enhanced grip and off-road high-speed support with a dual-firmness cushion for ultimate comfort.
Eye-catching “Ford Performance” kick plates greet the occupants as soon as the doors are opened, complemented by the “Raptor” logo which is proudly embroidered on the front seats and carpets – emphasizing that this is no ordinary Ranger.
Blue stitching and leather accents feature throughout, including across the high-quality dashboard. Lightweight, racing-style magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes are easily accessible near the perforated leather hand grips of the bespoke steering wheel. Additionally, an “on-centre” marker is picked out in red to help drivers keep track of wheel position off-road, with the Raptor logo incorporated in the spoke bezel of the steering wheel.
The instrument cluster is designed to provide the driver with clear information at a glance, using analogue dials for the rev counter and speedometer, as well as engine temperature and fuel gauge – all using sporty red needles. The centre colour LCD display contains all the relevant ancillary driving information, including the selectable Terrain Management System (TMS) modes which are easily accessed via the “Mode” Button on the multi-function steering wheel.