Ford Ranger Raptor - rally SUV straight from the showroom

The Ford Ranger Raptor is a car that needs no introduction. The high-performance pickup was prepared by Ford Performance, Ford's sports department. This is a super efficient and powerful rally SUV that you can buy at the dealership. Here are 10 things you should know about it.

New Ranger Raptor designed by Ford Performance

Developed by Ford Performance, the new Ranger Raptor is even more technologically advanced. It combines unbridled power with high reliability and incredible off-road capability. It's much faster and packed with new features, plus it looks amazing.

The toughest Ranger in the world is a true performance pickup

The new Ford Ranger Raptor is a real off-road rally car that you can buy at a car dealership. The car has already proven its performance in the Baja 1000 rally, a sporting event that is considered the most difficult off-road rally in the world. It is worth remembering that the new Ranger Raptor competed in the SCORE category - created for civilian pickups. This means that its engine, gearbox and transmission were stock!

The Baja 1000 Rally was the first test of the new generation Ranger Raptor. The team completed the rally in 26 hours 21 minutes and 39 seconds, placing first among stock cars. The car went through the toughest rally in the world without any unscheduled stops, not even punctures. After the competition, the team took him back to California.

New Ranger Raptor: 10 things you should know about it

1. The new Ford Ranger Raptor has a lot of power

The Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. Ford Performance squeezed as much as 292 hp out of it. and 491 Nm of torque.

The engine block is made from vermicular cast iron, which is about 75 percent stronger and 75 percent stiffer than traditional cast iron. Ford Performance ensures that the engine responds immediately to changes in throttle position, and a racing-derived turbocharging system similar to that first used in the Ford GT and Focus ST allows acceleration to respond without turbo lag. gas and an instant increase in power.

2. New advanced permanent all-wheel drive system.

The new Ranger Raptor has received an advanced permanent all-wheel drive system with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The system is equipped with lockable front and rear differentials - an indispensable thing for off-road enthusiasts. In addition, the engine has an individual boost profile programmed for each gear, which also improves performance.

3. Riding modes - full control in the field

Ford's high-performance pickup offers as many as 7 driving modes, including 3 on-road and 4 off-road. Each of them regulates a number of elements, including: engine, transmission, traction control and suspension, exhaust volume, steering and throttle response. Driving mode selection is selected on the digital instrument cluster.

Road driving modes include "Normal Mode" - a driving mode calibrated for comfort and low fuel consumption, "Sport Mode" - adapted for dynamic driving, and "Slippery Mode" for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Off-Road Modes: "Rock Mode", "Sand Mode", "Mud/Ruts" and "Bach" which are extreme proof of off-road capabilities. In it, all vehicle systems are tuned for maximum performance for peak performance in high-speed off-road driving.

In "Baja mode", the aforementioned system keeps the turbochargers running for three seconds after the driver releases the accelerator pedal, allowing for faster power recovery when the accelerator pedal is pressed again.

4. Redesigned suspension

The new Ranger Raptor features a redesigned suspension that makes full use of FOX® Live Valve shocks. They are 2.5 inches in diameter and feature the latest position sensitive damping control system. These shocks are the most advanced of their kind ever fitted to the Ranger Raptor. They are filled with Teflon™ enriched oil, which reduces friction by about 50 percent compared to the shocks used in the previous generation model.

Everything from adjusting the springs to adjusting the ride height, adjusting the valves and fine-tuning the cylinder travel zones is done to achieve the perfect balance of comfort, handling, stability and excellent grip on asphalt and off-road.

The shock absorbers have been redesigned for improved on-road comfort and better off-road performance, both at high and low speeds. In addition to working with different driving modes, the suspension system has the ability to work in the background to prepare the car for changing driving conditions. When the shock compresses, the different zones provide the necessary support for a given shock, and vice versa when the shocks rebound to full height.

5. A car that can jump

To protect against the effects of severe sag when landing a pickup truck, the race-proven FOX® Bottom-Out Control system delivers maximum damping force in the last 25 percent of shock travel. Similarly, the system can beef up the rear shock absorbers to prevent the Ranger Raptor from tipping over under hard acceleration, helping to keep the vehicle high in stability. With shock absorbers that deliver the right amount of damping force in any position, the Ranger Raptor ensures stability both on the road and on the track.

6. Performance design and off-road solutions

The chassis of the new generation Ranger Raptor is different from the solutions used in the last Ranger. A plethora of Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements, such as a rear rack, cargo area and spare wheel, as well as unique fender shrouds, shock struts and rear shocks, make the next-generation Ranger Raptor capable of handling tough off-road terrain. conditions.

The car was additionally equipped with a solid underbody protection. The front plate is 2.3 mm thick and is made of high strength steel. It protects the radiator, steering, oil pan and front differential. In addition, the equipment list includes dual tow hooks front and rear. Their design allows access to one of the hooks if access to the other is difficult, and also allows the use of belts when recovering the car from deep sand or thick mud.

7. Off-road cruise control

The new Ranger Raptor also features Trail Control™, the equivalent of off-road cruise control. All the driver has to do is select a set speed below 32 km/h and the car will take care of acceleration and deceleration while the driver can concentrate on driving in difficult terrain.

8. Active exhaust system - from quiet to high performance

The model is equipped with a new dual-tip active exhaust system that uses an electronically controlled valve. The driver can choose from four driving modes, including a silent mode for starting the car in the early morning.

Selectable Modes: Quiet for the quietest operation regardless of driving conditions, Normal is the default setting that strikes a balance between comfort and loudness, Sport is a slightly louder exhaust system than usual, perfect for dynamic driving , and Baja is the loudest setting and should only be used when driving off-road. The active exhaust system can be controlled by the driver, depending on his preferences, using the "Exhaust" button or automatically, according to the selected operating mode.

9. Sports seats reminiscent of jet fighters.

The high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor is not only a set of systems that make an American pickup truck a rally SUV, it is also comfortable and technologically advanced equipment.

Inside, key styling cues emphasize the Ranger Raptor's off-road capabilities and exceptionally restless nature. New fighter-style sports seats front and rear enhance ride comfort and provide superior support when cornering at high speeds. A heated, high-quality leather sports steering wheel with thumb rest, straight-line markings and magnesium alloy paddles completes the sporty character of the interior.

Passengers also have access to high-tech systems, including not only a new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, but also a 12-inch central touchscreen that controls the next-generation SYNC 4A® communications and entertainment system, which provides wireless connectivity to Apple. CarPlay and Android Auto™ are available as standard. The 10-speaker B&O® audio system delivers the sound you deserve on every journey.

10. Appearance and accessories worthy of the off-road king

The Raptor's looks alone make it clear what this machine is capable of. Beneath the flared fenders are 17-inch alloy wheels with high-performance off-road tires exclusive to the Raptor. Functional air vents, aerodynamic elements and strong, massive cast aluminum side steps enhance the look and functionality of the pickup truck.

Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights take the Ranger Raptor's lighting performance to a new level. They provide cornering illumination, glare-free high beams and automatic dynamic leveling. LED taillights provide distinctive headlight styling, and the rear bumper has a center step and a tow hook positioned high enough not to compromise the exit angle.

Photo: Ford, Dominic Calamus