THERE is some good news for Ford Ranger Raptor lovers.
Ford has announced that the Ranger Raptor – the toughest, highest-performing variant of one of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies – has received an upgrade and a new special edition of the vehicle is set for launch.
The motor vehicle manufacturer revealed that the new Ranger Raptor Special Edition would be built in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity. According to ford, the new edition enhances the thoroughbred bakkie’s commanding exterior and premium interior with the addition of several functional and styling enhancements – from eye-catching decals and red accents to the fitment of the integrated sports hoop and practical Mountain Top lockable black roller shutter.
Developed by Ford Performance as the ultimate Ranger model, the Ranger Raptor created an entirely new segment in the light commercial vehicle market when it was launched in 2019, featuring an ultra-strong chassis, bespoke suspension and tyres, and a Terrain Management System to support the thrill-seeking outdoor lifestyles of true off-road enthusiasts.
“The new Ranger Raptor Special Edition adds even more dramatic style to this trend-setting model which remains unequalled in the popular bakkie segment two and a half years after it was launched in South Africa,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “The unique exterior enhancements and cabin updates make our off-road performance bakkie even more distinctive and desirable, while the fitment of the roller shutter as standard significantly enhances practicality and security for our customers.”
Head-turning road presence
Featuring a choice of bold Sea Grey, Frozen White, Blue Lightning and Agate Black paint finishes, the new Ranger Raptor Special Edition adds twin matte black racing stripes – edged with red contrast lines – to the bonnet, roof, lower body sides, rear wings and tailgate to further emphasize the bakkie’s high-performance character.
Complementing the distinctive racing stripes, the front tow hooks are finished in red while the flared wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, door handles and signature Ford-embossed grille feature a matte black finish to create an even more imposing appearance than the standard Ranger Raptor’s grey exterior details. Also new to this exclusive model is the integrated black sports hoop derived from the Ranger Wildtrak, which adds further sporting flair to the Ranger Raptor’s muscular appearance.
The standard fitment of the lockable Mountain Top black roller shutter, previously seen on the Ranger Thunder, is a great addition that allows owners to safely secure goods in the load compartment, away from prying eyes and protected from the elements.
Inside the Ranger Raptor Special Edition’s double cab interior, an even sportier, bespoke feel is delivered with red stitching for the steering wheel, instrument panel and door cards. Standard high-grain leather seats are designed to be comfortable and supportive whether tackling rough terrain or smooth highway, and a Special Edition-only Raceway Grey instrument panel adds further exclusivity.
The Special Edition model retains Ranger Raptor’s unique Ford Performance chassis. Optimised for high-speed off-road driving where regulations and conditions allow, Ranger Raptor features a 150mm wider track and 51mm taller ride height than the standard Ranger for greater off-road capability.
The bespoke suspension uses aluminium double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear architecture, including specially developed FOX shock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping that moderates damping forces in response to changing driving scenarios. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres offer maximum grip on loose surfaces.
As with the standard model, the Ranger Raptor Special Edition is powered by Ford’s 157kW 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine developing 500Nm of torque, driving a responsive 10-speed automatic gearbox shared with the Ford Mustang sports car. Its unique Terrain Management System enables drivers to tackle a wide range of terrain and driving scenarios, including Baja Mode – named after the famous Baja 1000 desert rally – for optimum off-road performance.
