OK Ford, Enough Teasing: Bring the Ranger Raptor to the U.S.
By Aaron Bragman
Ford recently revealed that the European market would get the new Raptor version of the mid-size Ranger pickup truck, joining Asia, Africa and Australia in the company's plans to introduce a baby brother version of the beefy F-150 Raptor in 2019. Ford of Europe made the announcement and displayed the truck at the Gamescom trade fair in Cologne, Germany, early last week, coinciding with the truck's official debut in the new Forza Horizon 4 video racing game from Microsoft.
Like the rest of the markets in which it will be sold, the European Ford Ranger Raptor will feature a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engine making about 210 horsepower and roughly 368 pounds-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. It has an off-road racing-inspired suspension that employs Fox shock absorbers with 46.6 mm pistons, aluminum control arms and a unique coilover rear suspension with an integrated Watt's linkage. Twin-piston front brake calipers are fitted over 13-inch ventilated rotors stopping 17-inch wheels shod with specially designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain knobby tires.
The most impressive part of the Ranger Raptor may be its electronic Terrain Management System. The electro-brain allows drivers to select between six different modes tailored to various terrains: Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja. That last one adjusts everything so that you can go blasting across the desert at top speed, just like a Baja racer ... and given that the only desert in continental Europe is in a tiny corner of Spain, we're calling it ridiculous that Europe should get a version of this truck before the U.S. market does.
Because that's right: Ford still maintains that there's no plan to bring the Ranger Raptor to the U.S. Why? Who knows? Maybe it's a powertrain issue, maybe the 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo-diesel doesn't meet U.S. emissions standards. Maybe Ford wants to get the basic Ranger to market first, which is happening later this year, to see if it even sells before promising additional versions. But given that the F-150 Raptor is a major hit for Ford — being snapped up by people looking for the ultimate off-road pickup (regardless of whether they'll actually exercise its immense capabilities) — introducing a smaller, less expensive, mid-size version just seems like a no-brainer to us.
While we wait to hear whether Ford finally decides to bring the baby Raptor to the states, the Europeans get to enjoy it next year. It is slated to go on sale in Europe mid-way through 2019.
Manufacturer images
Comments
It will come when it comes, but probably NOT with a diesel under the hood.
They would be foolish to bring the Raptor version to the US right away. They should ride the wave of a new Ranger for awhile, and then bring the Raptor version in the 2nd or 3rd year to get a second wave going.
Mr Smart and Mr Vulpine are both right.
Ford strategists are very unsure of next steps here, because if current trends hold up, the next Raptor will be a V8 no matter if it's a Ranger Raptor, or a full size.
The Ranger Raptor is a tease for the near future. Maybe 2021
ZRnope!
TRwho?
Pro4nawww.
Here comes the off road daddy of the pretend trucks.
It will come when it comes, but probably NOT with a diesel under the hood.
Posted by: Vulpine | Aug 30, 2018 12:45:50 PM
Agreed. The 2.3EB will likely push into the GM 2.8 fuel economy while putting up V6 performance numbers. The 2.7 EB would seem like a no brainer, but I could see a performance 2.3 EB also before a diesel. Either way this truck will push $60k which to me insane. But it's a sharp truck that will have a market.
don't need Craptor it here, the Colorado ZR2 Duramax is here
ZRnope!
TRwho?
Pro4nawww.
Here comes the off road daddy of the pretend trucks.
Posted by: Clint | Aug 30, 2018 2:27:01 PM
The ZR2 has better off road tires in the Dura Trac's. IMO.....But the Ranger looks better. IMO.....
Can we have a REGULAR CAB Ranger Raptor...PLEASE.
The truck looks awesome. Will the Ranger have a stronger 4x4 design or will it use the weak plastic one that breaks on the F-150 & Raptor all the time? I hope it isn't a cheap unreliable vacuum deal like the F-150. Ford can't figure out how to get it to hold up.
A lot of buyers who want a raptor ranger will buy the regular one now and will gladly trade it in for a loss in a couple years when the raptor version is released. That's how the drug dealer gets you, is on the return.
Oh boy...it's the Rectum Ranger Raptor. LOL
Ford downgraded by Moody's to one level above junk status.
@RAM.
True.
I've been reading about this a lot over the last year. Ford is making money in North America but only because of its Credit division. Without Ford Credit, the company is breaking even. Worse, after investing heavily abroad, Ford is not making money in its overseas operations.
Ford's a great company facing some difficult challenges in management and strategy. In order to keep paying dividends above six percent, Ford will have to improve revenues and improve profits.
Ford's vision for the future requires the present team of directors and executives to reshape the company by 2021 or 2022.
Very challenging work in such a short time. Ford is still well liked and they have a lot of cash. We'll see.
20th century technology. Old men thinking old ways.
Deep. Very deep.
The Raptaurus has arrived! Well not yet. Just some sweet made up video and cool pics. Maybe 2020??
The Raptaurus has arrived! Well not yet. Just some sweet made up video and cool pics. Maybe 2020??
Posted by: TNTGMC | Aug 30, 2018 6:51:33 PM
Another post of hate. You reek of the jealousy you speak. I can't believe papa hasn't called you out yet on posting constant useless post that offer nothing. Weird.....
@ ecoboost
Come on man....just stop being butte hurt....your pathetic. U wine all the time
If u can't see the Taurus front end on this thing then your blind. Fors could have come up with a way better designed front end but instead they recycle The Taurus front clip!
TNTGAY is illiterate
@TNTGMC..., C’mon man..., ease up a little..., be more positive and encouraging...
@ lawn ranger
I am positive.
I'm just stating that Ford cut corners on this truck and shouldn't have. They had a chance to really bring a NEW truck to midsize market and be a game changer....instead it looks like a Taurus.
They could have made it look like the baby bronco front end. Anythu g but a car front end!
I agree with a lot that this better have altleast the 2.7L ecoboost if not the 3.5L. Go big or go home.
Heck I'd love to see the coyote 5.0L in it.
@ The Lawn Ranger
“ be more positive and encouraging “
Then TNT would have nothing to say.
@TNTGMC..., I hear ya..., “Go Big or Go Home”. Will have to wait and see what the product planners at Ford think.
Also, for me, going big = more $$$
Hey BA, screw you. I will spew stupid crap where I want, when I want. When you're a victim of molestation like I was, then you can talk.
Old Ranger sold--for full asking price. Now I just wait for my Z-71 that's on order.
Congrats! How long till you see the Chevy?
Ranger has a strong appearence of Taurus or even Focus.in front.
"Congrats! How long till you see the Chevy?" ---- Posted by: papajim
Four to six weeks. Honestly didn't expect to see the Ranger sell this quickly. Shows there's definitely a demand for true, SMALL trucks.
@papajim
You are unfortunately right. GM is as bad Not a good prediction for the future
Then TNT would have nothing to say
@BA
You clearly don't comprehend what you post. Theres absolutely nothing you post makes sense.
Atleast people agree with me it looks like a Taurus!
Look, my "whole" deal with Ford is this:
If your going to claim "best in class".... THEN by gosh be best in class. But, in reality they aren't! They more than not have failed in comparison tests against the competition!
They need to step back from the nonsense and look at the whole truck and build a better truck And stop the " best in class" garbage!
Just build a great truck like they had in the early-mid 90s. Those truck lasted and lasted!
I still see those in line 6, Windsor V8s, and powerstorkes on farms all rusted out but still working. Thats how I see Ford!!
You are unfortunately right. GM is as bad Not a good prediction for the future...Posted by: Robert Ryan | Aug 31, 2018
Not true.
GM wrote off (and sold) some overseas assets and operations that were under-performing in recent years. Ford is still overweight in this regard. GM also has a solid team on the board of directors and Ford is weak in the boardroom today.
GM has some operations in China that compete effectively---not Ford. There is a reason that GM stock (and Chrysler) is bucking the headwinds, and Ford is not.
Even with a recent softening of stock prices, Chrysler stock is still very strong.
@Aaron Bragman
Europe is not the main target for the 2litre Diesel and yes it is compliant. It is Asia( which Ford wants to impress) that is the main market.
As the Ranger Raptor was designed n Australia, many people were not impressed here by the tiny diesel . A few other convertors have dropped Cheverolet 6.2 Chevrolet engines in the Colorado. All with. Factory warranty
Getting the gaming world involved was a great move!
Ranger Raptor will sell well in the US and it is important so that the 3rd world will be able to afford one as well.
@Aaron Bragman
OEM quality and warranty . Harrop Suerado with a Supercharged LSA engine. 600hp
https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/custom-4x4s/2018-harrop-superado-4x4-review
It amazes me anyone ever buys a Ford. I have never had a good experience with one.
They just are not quality built in their moving parts.
Their frames and bodies are sometimes good, but the engines and all are crap.
My guess: The standard Ranger will get a version of the Mustang 2.3L with about 310 HP (gotta beat the Colorado figures). The Ranger Raptor will arrive 2 years later with a version of the Focus RS motor (2.3, 350 HP).
The International T6 Ranger was never designed for a V type engine. Chances are, the American version wasn't re-engineered to fit a V6, so power is restricted to inline engines.
Even if Ford were able to squeeze a 2.7EB motor into the engine bay, I wouldn't ever want to be the poor sap who had to work on it.
@Igv2shtz
A V8 Engine swap is not a problem for the Ranger
https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/custom-4x4s/supercharged-v8-powered-ford-ranger-review
the [T6 Ranger] was never designed for a V type engine. Chances are, the American version wasn't re-engineered to fit a V6, so power is restricted to inline engines...Posted by: igve2shtz | Aug 31, 2018
If you can get 350 HP from a 2.3 why worry? Turbo 4 cylinders can produce crazy peak power. The more important consideration is the broader torque band that we get from a turbo 4. A 2.3 engine that can rev to 6500RPM is nice but the sweet spot is between 2000RPM and 4500RPM
"It amazes me anyone ever buys a Ford. I have never had a good experience with one.
They just are not quality built in their moving parts.
Their frames and bodies are sometimes good, but the engines and all are crap.
Posted by: Carl | Aug 31, 2018 6:58:55 AM"
Is this guy for real?? I wonder how "amazed" he would be to know Ford is the best-selling brand in the US....
Must be that carl's favorite brand builds vehicles that have never given any people bad experience's. LMFAO!!
ever notice that vehicles always come out in Europe/Asia before they make it here, If they do?
Colorado/Ranger have been in europe Tiawan for years. Chevy Cruz was the Cherry over in europe for 10 years before it came over here.
Before the 2007 fiance thing, Chevy's design team was in Europe, I think they moved some of it over here, maybe
ever notice that vehicles always come out in Europe/Asia before they make it here, If they do? Colorado/Ranger have been in europe Tiawan for years. Chevy Cruz was the Cherry over in europe for 10 years before it came over here. Before the 2007 fiance thing, Chevy's design team was in Europe, I think they moved some of it over here, maybe
Posted by: Dave | Aug 31, 2018
where to begin?
1. Where the F--- is "europe Tiawan"?
2. What is the "2007 fiance thing"?
3. Please cite a GM document saying that the "Chevy Design Team" was in Europe before they moved it here.
There's snot mixed with coffee sprayed all over my desk right now and I need to mop it up. Anyone who can answer any of the above questions please reply via Comments.
"Is this guy for real?? I wonder how "amazed" he would be to know Ford is the best-selling brand in the US...." ---- Posted by: FullSize_only
Most popular does not make it best built.
I wonder how "amazed" he would be to know Ford is the best-selling brand in the US....
Posted by: FullSize_only | Aug 31, 2018 11:39:49 AM
And despite that Ford's stock has lost half of its value over the last 4 years and their rating dropped to just one notch above junk status.
Not to mention, McDonald's is the best selling brand of burger in the US.
The F-series is the best selling vehicle in the world.
It’s rather comical.
You guys only ever use that McDonald’s analogy when a Ford fan mentions F Series is the best selling full size
When GMShills like papajoke rants on about GM sells the most pick ups ( full size added with mid size, or that moron GMSRGAY incorrectly states Silverado is the best selling, you’re all hush hush with it.
@BA
You have to be hallucinating if you think that anyone except GM sold the most pickups last year. Check the math; look it up.
This is NOT a rant.
It's the truth, and evidently (Thank you Col. Jessep) you can't HANDLE the truth.
@ PapaJoke
Ford sells the most Full Size. You have to be hallucinating if you think that anyone except Ford sold the most Full Size pickups last year. Check the math; look it up.
It's the truth, and evidently (Thank you Col. Jessep) you can't HANDLE the truth
@ papajim It is a fact that gm sold the most trucks. Nobody cares because it is meaningless.
the Ranger will likely outsell the colorado by the second month after release. We won't know because GM chickened out of monthly reporting.
Busted by the date/time stamps.
BA and just the truth are one and the same. Utterly lame comments from people who play the ID game. I wonder which sheep station they're working at this winter.
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