Ford launches Ranger Raptor to come to Vietnam later this year
The high-performance Ranger Raptor version is equipped with a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, 213 horsepower, 10-speed automatic transmission.
In Thailand, Ford has launched the Ranger Raptor, the most powerful, off-road variant of the Ranger. The American company claims that it is a completely new pickup truck compared to the regular Ranger. The product inherits the strengths and new technology applied on the full-size F-150 Raptor line.
The Raptor made a difference right from its debut. On a large outdoor stage, the Raptor appeared in an unusual way, moving to a pre-set position. As soon as the door opened, the Ford test driver stepped on the gas, the Raptor rushed up the simulated hill in front of it and immediately took off, startling the audience.
Ranger Raptor is an improved version based on the new generation Ranger platform that was just launched in the US in January. But the upgrades are not simply adding exterior and interior equipment, but especially in off-road capabilities and engine power.
The Raptor's chassis is new compared to the standard Ranger, reinforced for increased off-road capability. The car is slightly longer and wider, with a ground clearance of 283 mm, while the Ranger's is only 200 mm. The front of the car is aggressive with a new grille and front bumper design, and fog lights. The wheel arches have protruding mudguards, increasing the ability to protect the body from rocks and mud when running off-road. The rear of the car is not much different.
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Ford Ranger Raptor at the press conference on February 7 in Thailand. Photo:Duc Huy |
Ford's new model is equipped with a diesel engine B2-liter 4-cylinder i-turbo, 213 horsepower and 500 Nm maximum torque. 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive similar to the F-150 Raptor. Compared to the most powerful version of the Ranger using a 3.2-liter Duratorq inline 5-cylinder engine, the Ranger Raptor is 13 horsepower and 30 Nm more torque. Ford engineers said that the ASEAN market does not have gasoline engines or manual transmissions.
The engine on the 2019 Ranger Raptor uses two turbochargers of different sizes, operating simultaneously at low speeds to increase engine torque and response when the driver presses the accelerator. At high speeds, only the larger turbocharger operates toOptimize acceleration.
Ford engineers say the 10-gear transmission inherited from the F-150 has been tuned to match the performance of the Ranger Raptor. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard, enhancing the sporty driving experience.
The Ford Ranger Raptor's Terrain Management System (TMS) allows you to choose from six different driving modes: Normal and Sport for on-road driving. Off-road mode for grass/gravel/snow, mud/sand, rock and Baja - the state that activates the most powerful performance.
The Ford pickup truck uses Fox Racing Shox adaptive shock absorbers, multi-link rear suspension with coil springs, providing optimal shock absorption when off-roading at high speeds. The vehicle's braking force comes from the front and rear disc brakes with a diameter of 332 mm. 17-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich AT all-terrain tires. The body is reinforced with high-strength steel.
The new Ranger Raptor is developed by the Ford Performance division. Its appearance is more aggressive and sporty than the standard version. The car is equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, supporting a rear camera. Safety features such as electronic balance, hill start assist, downhill assist, and adaptive load control.
The 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor is manufactured at the company's factory in Thailand and is not limited to any particular market. The price of the mid-size high-performance pickup truck has not been disclosed. In the Vietnamese market, the Ranger has dominated the segment for many years, with prices ranging from 634-918 million VND.
Mr. Peter Fleet, President of Ford Asia Pacific, said that the company is facing difficulties because the regulations are too urgent, not enough time to react. However, Ford will also try to meet the expected documents. In the second half of 2018, the import of cars to Vietnam may return to normal. That is also the time when Ranger Raptor will be sold in some ASEAN markets, the time to return to Vietnam may be at the end of 2018, the price set to create a sufficient gap compared to Ranger Wildtrak.