Ford has revealed the European version of its latest performance model, the Ranger Raptor, which made its debut at the 2018 Gamescom gaming convention in Cologne.
The off-road-angled performance pick-up truck is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBlue diesel engine that produces 211bhp and 500Nm of torque – with Ford pairing it to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Developed by Ford Performance, the Ranger Raptor is based on a chassis that is “optimised for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability”, with the model also coming with race suspension, position sensitive damping and specially-developed BF Goodrich tyres.
Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director for Europe, said: “Forget everything you think you know about pick-ups. Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions.”
Ford has also given the pick-up the Terrain Management System, which includes six different modes depending on the surface you’re driving over – with the ‘Baja’ mode offering a high-speed off-roading setup.
It was revealed in Ford Performance Blue with grey accenting, and Ford gave the Ranger a new grille to mirror the brand’s first performance off-roader – the F-150 Raptor. The grille sits between xenon headlights and LED foglamps.
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Ford has also ensured that the model comes with plenty of good safety tech and have fitted the Ranger Raptor with stability control with roll mitigation, trailer sway control, hill start assist, hill descent control and load adaptive control.
Inside, models come with the Sync 3 infotainment system and eight-inch touchscreen that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, leather and suede-effect upholstery, and Raptor embossing.
Roeks added: “The new Ranger Raptor delivers all the tools a thrill-seeker could ask for. Like a motocross bike, snowmobile and an ATV in one – it’s the ultimate adventure pick-up.”
Although prices are yet to be revealed, the Ranger Raptor will go on sale in 2019.
It will be making its first appearance in the Forza Horizon 4 video game when that is released on October 2.
