FORD

US Ranger Raptor debuts with new 3.0L EcoBoost B-turbo engine

In late 2021, Ford unveiled and launched the fifth generation of its mid-size pickup truck in Europe and in early 2022 in other markets. Now, the manufacturer also introduces it in the United States, with an interesting Raptor version of great power.

This new Ford pick-up is very similar to the global version, both outside and inside, although under the hood things are quite different. In fact, the Ranger Raptor for the United States uses the same 3.0 V6 EcoBoost engine with twin turbo compressors as the other versions, but with much more power.

Although the Ranger Raptor that is sold in other markets conforms to 292 hp from its 3.0 V6 EcoBoost engine, in North America Ford has injected an extra dose of brute force into the same block, achieving a power of 410 hp and a maximum torque of 583 Nm, i.e. 118 hp and an additional 92 Nm, which is not bad at all.

The engine is coupled as standard to the brand's well-known 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with torque converter, which is the only one offered in the Ranger line for the United States.

The rest of the catalog is made up of the 4-cylinder 2.3 EcoBoost, with 273 hp of power and 310 Nm of maximum torque, and later, in the second half, the 2.7 liter V6 EcoBoost of 320 hp and 400 Nm will be added, which shares with its bigger sister, the F-150, and with the Ford Bronco.

Of course, the Raptor is equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque distribution and electronically controlled locking differentials. The 17-inch wheels are shod in BFGoodrich KO3 off-road tires inside flared, ventilated wheel arches. As an option there are non-slip beadlock wheels, also 17 inches.

Selectable driving modes are Normal, Tow/Haul for loading and towing, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl and Baja. Depending on the chosen one, the performance of the Fox ‘Live Valve Internal Bypass’ shock absorbers changes, as well as the performance of the engine and transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, steering and throttle response.

The new Ranger will be available in the US in four trims, namely XL, XLT, Lariat and Raptor. The XL has a black grille with a bar and black moldings, while the XLT and Lariat are distinguished by gray accents. Ford offers both finishes with the third option of chrome moldings. 17-inch wheels are standard on the XL and XLT, and increase to 18-inch wheels on the Ranger Lariat.

Orders for the 2024 Ranger and Ranger Raptor will open in the United States at the end of May and prices are already known: the base model XL starts at $34,160, while the Raptor starts at $56,960.

Autonews/Mundoquatrorodas