The new generation of the Ford Ranger pickup truck debuted last fall. Now the model family has been replenished with a high-performance version with the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor prefix in the title. It was developed jointly with the Ford Performance division and will take the place of the flagship.

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

The novelty features advanced off-road performance. If the base version has a spring rear suspension, then the hardcore version has a spring one. Also reinforced frame and front suspension. The stock shocks have been replaced with 2.5-inch FOX Live Valves that reduce friction by 50%. In addition, the car has widened wheel arches and installed 17-inch wheels shod in 32-inch off-road tires. Ground clearance is increased, but the manufacturer did not specify by how much.

The “heated” pickup received custom bumpers with skid plates, aluminum side steps, hood scoops, and Raptor decals. The underbody protection has been reinforced. Separate guards are provided for the engine and transfer case. Front and rear optics are fully LED. The interior of the car is equipped with sports seats trimmed with leather with red stitching.

The cockpit features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch Ford SYNC4 infotainment system, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, and a heated zero-point steering wheel. There is also background lighting.

There are four pickup modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja. Electronics has seven such modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud / Ruts and Baja. The “charged” American car is driven by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 biturbo gasoline engine, which is paired with a 10-speed “automatic” and an all-wheel drive system.

In the European specification, the motor produces 288 hp. power and 491 Nm of torque. The Australian version is much more productive – 397 hp. and 583 Nm. It is from this market that sales will begin. Here the pickup truck will appear in the summer of this year. In Europe, the Ranger Raptor will become available in the fourth quarter of 2022, but in the US it is expected no earlier than early 2023.