Ford announces Ranger Raptor release date

FORD Motor Company has announced that it will reveal its much-anticipated next-gen Ranger Raptor globally on February 22 via its Facebook and YouTube social media channels. 

A teaser video released today shows a camouflage-clad Ranger Raptor testing at high speeds in what could be the Australian outback. A cracking – and possibly petrol-fed – turbocharged V6 soundtrack and rapid automatic transmission shifts accompany the dust-filled thirty-second film.

Developed by Ford Performance for off-road enthusiasts, the new Raptor promises to be the most-powerful factory-built Ranger yet. Ford has yet to release spec or pricing details of its 2022 Ranger line-up, but the ute is expected to offer modest increases over the current-gen model.

Due on sale in early 2023, the Ranger Raptor is widely tipped to feature Ford’s 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine under the bonnet. The unit is reputed to produce peak outputs of 231kW and 540Nm of torque and is likely to be paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

On the styling front, the Raptor is expected to feature a brawnier, flared body with FORD radiator grille, unique alloy wheels, BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 rubber and wide-set dual exhaust ends.

It is understood the Ranger will be built at both Ford’s South African and Thai production facilities, the former alongside Volkswagen’s twin-under-the-skin Amarok. Australian models will be sourced from Thailand as per the current model.

Ford unveiled its fifth-generation Ranger late last year. At the time, it confirmed that the model will arrive with a choice of four- and six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines as well as significantly revised chassis and suspension package and extensively updated technology and equipment levels including a huge portrait-oriented central touchscreen.

Ford did not announce pricing, payload, towing capacity, engine outputs or dimensions of the load area and cabin at the model’s global reveal, but said that the model was its first completely redesigned Ranger since the release of the T6 series in 2011.

It also said the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6-powered model was likely to be a favourite with customers wanting “more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off-roading”.

And it seems off-road buyers are in Ford’s sights. Compared with the outgoing model, the front wheels of the new Ranger are located further forward (+50mm) to offer an improved approach angle and further outboard (+50mm) to increase off-road articulation. 

The rear shock absorbers are relocated outboard of the frame rails to improve ride quality over all surfaces and when fully laden, while the availability of two four-wheel-drive systems and dual recovery hooks in the front bumper ensure off-road duties are properly catered to.

Visit GoAuto again on February 22 for full details of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor.