When the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor debuted last year, the pickup truck only had a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine. But Ford is making changes in the engine department this year as the all-new version is revealed with a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel.
Next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor
The new Ford Ranger Raptor with the diesel power unit has been revealed at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). If the engine sounds familiar, that's because it was powering the previous iteration, and is currently used by the non-Raptor Ranger.
No changes were made in the power output. This means that the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine still makes 207 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The Raptor badge brings a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power from the engine to all four wheels.
But the automaker did upgrade the truck's Fox shock absorbers, which now offer improved adaptive damping. For a more capable off-road performance, the truck is equipped with differential locks and seven drive modes.
The truck is now available with a diesel power unit
In comparison to the V6-powered Ranger Raptor made available in the Thai market, the truck is capable of delivering 392 horsepower and 583 Nm of torque. But of course, the driving characteristics are different as the V6 is gas-powered, while the bi-turbo inline-4 uses diesel.
The returning bi-turbo diesel engine could be the next-gen Ranger Raptor's ticket to enter the Philippine lineup as this was the setup Filipino buyers got used to. But as of this writing, Ford Philippines has yet to put out a word about whether the nameplate will make a comeback.
Another Ranger-based truck revealed at the 2023 BIMS is the Ford Ranger Stormtrak. It is essentially an enhanced version of the range-topping Wildtrak variant, coming with a sliding cargo rack, styling updates, and an active park assist. Like the new diesel-powered Ranger Raptor, the Ranger Stormtrak still doesn't have the go signal to enter the Philippine lineup.
See the latest car updates at Philkotse.com.