Next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor test vehicle clocked 150,000km

Updated Feb 23, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It’s a glimpse of the grueling conditions these test units endure.

Torture testing is an essential part of vehicle development, and the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor is no exception. In fact, one of the test mules used by the Blue Oval brand’s engineers racked up a total of 150,000 kilometers on the odometer. 

The next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor undergoing field testing  

Australian car website Car Expert had the opportunity to visit Ford’s proving grounds in Victoria to find out the grueling conditions necessary for testing. After all, both the standard Ranger and its high-performance variant have been developed Down Under since the first generation in 2011. 

The automaker used 50 test vehicles in developing the new Ranger Raptor, one of which was in the process of being sent to Dubai for desert driving trials. It had already gone through an extensive regimen of testing both on pavement and the trails to ensure that the permanent all-wheel drivetrain with front and rear locking differentials would hold up well, resulting in an incredible mileage of 150,000 kilometers in just six months. 

Ford Ranger Raptor test mule

Imagine covering the equivalent of 150,000 kilometers in just half a year

Just how was it possible for the vehicle to cover that much ground in such a short span of time? Ford Performance program manager Justin Capicchiano explained that the testing personnel used rotating shifts. “We’ve got people working around the clock at the proving ground, right, we’ve got day shift and an afternoon shift working,” he said.

“It’s not uncommon for the guys in the morning to be the driving the car to do running kilometers, then hand the car over to the afternoon guys who continue putting on (kilometers). It’s all day.”

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor

We think all that hard work brought results that speak for themselves

Capicchiano adds that there’s also dynamometer testing done on both the engine and chassis. “This (vehicle) has done some durability work, because I can see some of their markings on the thing. So it literally does that stuff day in and day out.”

This should give potential customers an idea of what next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor endured before it reached its final production version, and erase doubts whether the truck can seriously take on off-road driving as promised.    

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Know more about Ford Ranger Raptor 2024

Ford Ranger Raptor

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a performance-oriented pickup truck. For the Philippine market, its sole variant is priced at Php 2,345,000. 

Under the hood of the all-new Ranger Raptor is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel that can make up to 207 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is then paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.  

The 2024 Ranger Raptor is 5,381mm long, 2,028mm wide, and 1,922mm in height. It then has a wheelbase length spanning 3,270mm. 

Locally, the Ranger Raptor’s closest competitors are the Nissan Navara PRO-4X and the Hilux GR Sport.  

 

Ford Ranger Raptor Launch

The second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor was launched for the Philippine market on May 18, 2023. 

Ford Ranger Raptor Exterior

The all-new 2024 Ranger Raptor follows the design language of the second-generation T6 Ranger. That said, it gets a pair of Matrix LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, and large fender flares. 

To make it ready for off-road use, Ford fitted this truck with dual front and rear tow hooks. Its under chassis likewise gets protective plates.  

Other features present on the Ranger Raptor’s exterior include power folding side mirrors, powder-coated side steps, and a bedliner with 230-volt and 12-volt power sockets.  

Where size is concerned, this pickup truck is 5,381mm long, 2,028mm wide, and 1,922mm in height. It then has a wheelbase length spanning 3,270mm. 

Ford Ranger Raptor Interior

Inside the Ranger Raptor is a cabin that can comfortably seat up to five occupants. The cabin is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, and all of its seats are wrapped in leather. A center armrest is also available for the rear cabin.  

The driver of this Ford pickup truck is then provided with a push-to-start button, a center armrest, and a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. Both front cabin seats are power adjustable as well. 

Technology & Safety Features

Providing entertainment for the Ranger Raptor’s occupants is a 12-inch portrait touchscreen display. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Charging smartphones is then made easy thanks to a wireless device charging pad.  

As for safety features, the Ranger Raptor gets a whole host of standard equipment. It gets seven airbags, anti-lock braking, front and rear parking sensors, stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill-launch assist, hill descent control, etc. 

Enhancing safety aboard its model is a set of advanced driver assist technologies. Chief among these are adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic high beams, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, evasive steer assist, lane departure warning, lane keep aid, a 360-degree view camera, blind spot monitoring, etc. 

Platform & Chassis

The all-new Ranger Raptor uses an improved version of the Fox Shocks set that came on the previous generation model. Specifically, it gets 2.5-inch Fox Shocks, with position-sensitive damping technology.  

Braking for the Ranger Raptor is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels. It then uses an electronic parking brake with auto-hold control.  

Like the regular Ranger, the Ranger Raptor is based on Ford’s T6-platform. This means that it comes with a ladder-frame chassis.  

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Ranger Raptor is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that can generate up to 207 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It then uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox which distributes power to all four wheels.  

Since the first-generation launch, until the arrival of the second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, no other pickup truck can match its optimization for Baja-type off-road activities. Sure, other trucks have engines that can make as much power, but most of those do not feature the same off-road-ready suspension setups.  

Ford Ranger Raptor Pros & Cons

Pros  Cons
 
  • Off-road ready out of the box 

  • Feature-rich 

  • Brimming with safety features 

  • Powerful 

  • Styling might not suit everyone. 

Ford Ranger Raptor FAQs

1. How many people can the Ford Ranger Raptor hold?

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor will have enough space inside for up to five passengers to sit comfortably.

2. How many selectable drive modes will the Ford Raptor 2024 have?

The Ford Raptor 2024 will include 7 selectable drive modes that let it manage well everything from paved roads to mud and potholes.

3. What is the difference between the Ford Ranger and Ford Ranger Raptor?

Although both the Ford Raptor and Ford Ranger belong to the same family of vehicles, size is the main factor that differentiates these two. The Ranger Raptor looks considerably wider and beefier than the latter.

4. What is the engine of the Ford Ranger Raptor?

The Ford Ranger Raptor is available with a sole engine option, which is the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine that is partnered with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

5. What type of drivetrain is equipped for the Ford Ranger Raptor?

The Ford Ranger Raptor comes with a part-time 4x4 drivetrain.

₱ 2,339,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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