(February 24, 2022) The next-generation and next-level Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived in Europe with deliveries starting in late summer. Built to dominate in the desert, master the mountains and rule everywhere in between, the second-generation Ranger Raptor raises the off-road performance bar as a pick-up built for true enthusiasts.

Developed by Ford Performance, the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor is the ultimate performance derivative of the all-new Ford Ranger. With smarter technology controlling tougher, next‑generation hardware, Ranger Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.

On Tuesday Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that the Raptor will also be coming to the U.S. and Canada and go on sale in 2023  

“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief program engineer for Ranger Raptor. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.”

European Ranger enthusiasts have special reason to celebrate as the all-new Ranger Raptor is the first model from the Next-Gen Ranger line-up to be launched in Europe, with customer deliveries starting in the final quarter of 2022.



The Raptor’s imminent arrival in Europe is marked by an all-action stunt video (above), which shows the vehicle leaping from a cargo plane in order to arrive on time for its European launch.

The biggest news for performance fans is the introduction of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 gas engine tuned by Ford Performance to produce a targeted 400 horsepower in the U.S. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine boasts a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75 per cent stronger and up to 75 per cent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST enables rapid delivery of boost on demand.

The new anti-lag system, available in Baja mode, keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission’s gears, for optimized performance.

Ranger Raptor’s new powertrain delivers effortless acceleration on gravel, dirt, mud and sand. To match this comprehensive performance, an electronically‑controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine note in four selectable modes enabling Ranger Raptor to adapt its vocal character.

Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel, or by selecting a drive mode that uses one of the following settings:
  
 •    Quiet – prioritizes quietness over performance and sound to keep the peace with neighbors on early mornings

    •    Normal – intended for everyday use, this profile offers an exhaust note with presence while not being too loud for street use. This profile is applied by default to Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl drive modes

    •    Sport – offers a louder and more dynamic not

    •    Baja – the most striking exhaust profile in both volume and note, in Baja mode the exhaust behaves more like a straight-through system. Intended for off-road use only.

A full-time four-wheel-drive system is standard and comes with a two-speed transfer case and both front and rear locking differentials for extreme rock crawling. It's connected to the engine via a 10-speed automatic transmission. A traction management system features seven settings for a variety of on and off-road situations and an active exhaust cranks up the volume in four steps from Quiet to Baja.

The Ranger's interior is thoroughly modernized and features a 12.4-inch portrait-oriented central display for the infotainment system, similar to that found in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.