Ford Philippines officially launched the much-awaited Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor at the first Ford Island Conquest event of the year at ARCA South Interactive Park in Taguig City. Thanks to the specially-prepared off-road course, we were given the opportunity to put the latest Raptor through its paces. At the same event, the first 20 Next-Gen Ranger Raptors also were turned over to their excited owners.
Exterior
This Next-Gen Raptor, like its predecessor, has an aggressive exterior that more than hints at its off-road capabilities and performance capabilities, again, elevating the Ranger nameplate to the next level. Up front you get a wider track, matrix headlights with the distinct C-clamp daytime running lights and a larger FORD lettering on the grille. Adding to its buff stance are the flared wheel arches and BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tires on 17-inch alloys.
“When we started working on the Next-Gen Raptor, we decided early on to go all out in the pursuit of creating the ultimate Ranger. Our team has worked incredibly hard to ensure it is built on the benchmark that we established in 2018 when we first launched the nameplate,” shares Dan Ciccocioppo, T6 Global Program Manager and Product Development Launch Manager, Ford Motor Company.
Interior
Performance and capability continue inside the next-gen Raptor’s interior. It has Code Orange stitching on the instrument panel, trim, and seats which also have ambient lighting and durable interior materials. The Raptor logo is on the sports steering wheel and there are magnesium paddle shifters. The front and rear seats are fighter-jet inspired, and now more comfortable, offering better support in aggressive driving conditions.
Important information is available to the driver on the large 12-inch digital instrument gauge cluster with a configurable digital speedometer, tachometer and drive mode selection animation.
Powerplant
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine that puts out max power of 210-PS at 3,750 rpm and 500-Nm max torque at 1,750-2,000 rpm, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to a full time four-wheel drive system with the option to switch to rear-wheel drive. There are seven drive modes to choose from: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Baja.
Performance
Increasing its off road capability are a rear locking differential, aggressive approach and departure angles, underbody protection, along with the 2.5-inch FOX shocks which provide higher damping forces and rebound, increased wheel travel and bump absorption for stability and comfort on all terrains. It has a Trail Control System that functions like an off-road cruise control where you set the speed and the vehicle controls throttle inputs and braking allowing you to concentrate on steering on challenging terrain.
“Through simulator tests, computer modelling and punishing real-world testing in the Australian outback, we’ve improved key areas like steering, ride and handling at high and low speeds, on- and off-road. This takes what was an already incredible platform and we further leveled it up to deliver an outstanding driving experience for our Next-Gen Raptor customers,” Ciccocioppo adds.
Connectivity
Its center console features a 12-inch portrait oriented touchscreen display with Ford’s latest SYNC4A communication and entertainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging. It has FordPass which allows you remote features such as door lock and unlock, vehicle start and stop, vehicle locator and vehicle status.
Advanced Safety
The Next-Gen Raptor is equipped with an advanced safety suite which includes a 360-Degree Camera with a Split-View Display, a top-down view around the vehicle and a zoom button to a give you a closer look at an obstacles around the vehicle. It also has a dedicated off-road screen display which shows a view of the terrain ahead with predictive overlay guidelines.
Advanced driver assist features are: Active Park Assist 2.0, Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Post Impact Braking and Blind Spot Information System.
Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines
“Rooted in our Ford Performance DNA, the Next-Gen Raptor is more capable and tougher than ever. It is designed to conquer any terrain with a bold new look and powerful performance with major upgrades and enhancements to already-popular features that Filipino customers have grown to love,” says Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines. “We are truly excited for the return of the Raptor brand, and we are confident that the second-generation Raptor will continue to resonate with performance pickup enthusiasts in the country.”
The Next-Gen Raptor comes in five colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, and Code Orange (additional P15,000), and is priced at P2,339,000 and comes with 5-year warranty and is now available at all Ford Dealerships nationwide.