New US-spec Ford Ranger Raptor has us drooling with envy

It seems like we are not the only ones to get the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor this year as the pickup truck will also be arriving in the U.S. market.

Ford Ranger Raptor

While the exterior and interior appear to be familiar from the initially-launched models, the new US-spec Ford Ranger Raptor is bringing a powertrain setup that we could only wish to have locally.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine, which is the go-to power unit since the introduction of the next-gen iteration last year. But this particular engine is capable of delivering 405 horsepower and 583 Nm of torque.

The US-spec Ranger Raptor gets an improved suspension system

In comparison to the Thai-spec Ranger Raptor with the same V6 mill, the truck that will be launched in the U.S. makes 13 more horsepower, with the torque value remaining the same. This means that the US-spec model is the most powerful Ranger ever built.

Locally, one can expect that the upcoming PH-spec model will use the familiar 2.0-liter bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine good for 207 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

The cabin comes with Code Orange accents

Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials.

The performance is matched with a new and improved Fox suspension consisting of coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear. It is capable of changing damping performance based on the vehicle’s Drive Modes, which include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja.

“Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for. It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive. Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology that’s designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve made,” said Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann.

The most powerful Ranger to date

The next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor will be available in the U.S. later this year. This means that Ford Philippines will launch the performance truck first as it is slated to arrive on May 18, 2023.

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