Ford releases new Ranger Raptor X
Ford Australia has released the 2021 Ranger Raptor X, which features a number of upgrades and enhancements.
A key member of the Ford Performance family, Ranger Raptor arrived in Australia in 2018, building on the success of the popular and versatile Ranger pick-up with an off-road performance variant.
“One of the things that customers always tell us about the Ranger Raptor is how hard you can push it off road, and yet it’s still so comfortable and easy to drive on-road,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“The styling changes made as part of the Ranger Raptor X will help it to keep turning heads as a stand-out member of the Ford Performance family.
Styling changes for 2021 include Over The Top (OTT) stripes as standard (running across the bonnet, roof and tailgate) along with side body stripes, while the grille, door handles, rear bumper cover, tailgate handle, fender vent and fog light bezel finished in a new matte black finish. In addition, the existing wheels have been refreshed with an Ashphalt Black matte finish and the model now features the same extended leg sports bar that debuted on the FX4 Max late last year.
A new accent package that takes inspiration from the exterior decal design, with red contrast stitching on the steering wheel and dash replacing the original blue stitching, has been introduced while Hydrographic and Black Alley accents across the dashboard and door cards round out the interior enhancements. Other changes include red front tow hooks and a black Ford logo on the tailgate.
Beyond its cosmetic upgrades, Ranger Raptor X continues with its 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo powertrain, matched with a fast-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission with steering-mounted lightweight magnesium paddles. The rigorous testing regime included running a thermal cycle, heating both turbos to the point of glowing red for 200 hours non-stop. The high-grade alloy turbo housing ensures durability up to 860oC, while the turbo bearings and low-pressure turbo are water cooled to reduce temperature and protect the air induction components.
In addition to its robust powertrain, Ranger Raptor offers a unique Terrain Management System (TMS) which includes Baja mode, inspired by Mexico’s famous Baja Desert Rally. In this mode, vehicle systems like traction control are loosened to allow spirited off-road driving with less intervention from the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimised for maximum performance, and the transmission mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more rapidly for better response.
The braking system features twin-piston calipers and ventilated rotors measuring 332 x 32mm. The rear disc brakes feature a brake actuation master cylinder and booster to increase braking performance, with 332 x 24mm rear rotors and a 54mm caliper.
Enhancing Ranger Raptor’s off-road performance are its sophisticated Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) shock absorbers, exclusively manufactured by FOX. These are designed to provide higher damping forces at full bounce and rebound, and lower damping forces in the mid-travel zone for outstanding on-road comfort. The Watt’s linkage rear suspension has been specifically engineered to tackle tough terrain at high-speed while ensuring control and comfort.
Ford said Ranger Raptor’s specially developed BF Goodrich All-Terrain 285/70 R17 KO2 tyres offer a tough sidewall to navigate all environments with confidence. The high grip levels extend adventure time on and off-road, with the rugged tread pattern boosting Ranger Raptor’s wet, mud, sand, and snow handling ability.
The Ranger Raptor X is expected alongside the full Ford Ranger line-up in Ford dealerships across the country from July, at a recommended MLP price of $79,390 including GST.
