Ford Introduces 2024 Ranger Raptor
Along with a totally redesigned base model, Ford has introduced the 2024 Ranger Raptor, the automaker announced.
New to North America, the Ranger Raptor is Ford’s most powerful Ranger model ever, the company said, and was designed and engineered in partnership with Ford Performance to maximize off-road capability.
Ranger Raptor starts with a purpose-built suspension that includes lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms and a long-travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage and trailing arms for control and confidence in off-road conditions.
Ranger Raptor’s next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear to reduce heat build-up, Ford Performance engineers said.
Ford Performance also upgraded Ranger’s fully boxed frame by reinforcing the front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, suspension mounting points, and other key areas, designers said.
The FOX Live Valve Internal Bypass system changes damping performance based on Ranger Raptor’s Drive Modes. The modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Trail Control. Each selectable drive mode appropriately adjusts the tuning of the engine, transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, steering, throttle response, instrument cluster and touch screen. The active valve exhaust system can also be tuned to several modes including Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja settings.
The Ranger Raptor is powered by a Ford Performance tuned twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 430 lb.-ft. of torque and 405 horsepower, making it the most powerful Ranger ever built, Ford said.
Beginning with a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, the engine utilizes an anti turbo-lag system in Baja mode. The system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle. The EcoBoost engine is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission mated to a four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials, Ford Performance engineers said.
Other exterior appointments include LED projector headlights flanked by Ford’s C-clamp signature lighting, F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, an all-steel bumper with integrated, frame-mounted front and rear tow hooks, and LED taillights. Flared fenders with functional fender vents house 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 tires on 17-inch wheels that can be mounted to optional beadlock capable wheels with available bead locks. Ranger Raptor also sports a front bash plate made of high-strength steel and dedicated engine, transfer case and fuel tank shields.
The Ranger Raptor’s cab is equipped with Ford Performance front seats, a sport steering wheel including cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters and a Raptor centering mark in a Code Orange color, which continues throughout the cab. Six overhead upfitter switches are mounted in the overhead console for additional off-road hardware.
The Ranger Raptor also features a 360-Degree Camera and Front View Camera to assist in off-roading, Zone Lighting, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Additionally, the Raptor comes with a high-resolution 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, 12-inch center touchscreen running SYNC 4A, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
