Spy Videos of the Ranger Raptor Share Forbidden Design Secrets
When a manufacturer puts camouflage on an unveiled model, that means whatever’s under there is forbidden to the public eye. In Ford‘s case, the next-gen Ford Ranger is draped in camo for the eyes of the spies. As we can see in the following spy videos a Raptor Ranger model might be in the works for the U.S.
Off-road design cues
According to The Fast Lane (TFL), the Ranger Raptor is taking design cues from its bigger sibling, the Ford F-150 Raptor. In fact, the second video also shows the upcoming generation of the Ford F-150 Raptor in a stunning orange paint color. However, the new Ford Ranger is still under literal wraps.
So, what can viewers discern by checking out these Ford Ranger spy videos? First of all, we know a new designated off-road trim is coming with the new generation Ford Ranger midsize pickup truck. I mean, that wide wide body style and chunky all-terrain style tires scream off-road design, right?
Watching the video, it’s easy to see the resemblance between the new Ranger and the new Ford F-150. The LED light signatures look similar to what we’ve seen in the fresh release of the F-150. However, it’s also clear that this is a midsize pickup truck designed for off-road romping. Judging by the tires alone, we can safely assume that Ford has something in store for off-road enthusiasts in the upcoming Ford Ranger generation.
When does the new Ford Ranger come out?
The Ford Ranger is set to release an all-new generation in 2023. We’ve already seen a Ranger Raptor model in Europe. Ford Media expressed that the Raptor version of the Ranger is a designated off-road desert racing truck.
“Our new Ford Ranger Raptor will ramp up the excitement even further when the thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader goes on sale for true enthusiast off-roaders at the same time.”
Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service | Ford of Europe
There’s no official confirmation that the Ranger Raptor will make it stateside. But if that’s what is under that camo, U.S. baby Raptor fans can get excited.
What engine is in the Ford Ranger Raptor model?
In Europe, the Ranger Raptor runs a 2.0-liter twin turbo diesel 4-cylinder, according to Road and Track. This engine generates 210 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, moved “through a ten-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive transfer case with high and low ranges.”
In the U.S. the only Ford Ranger engine option in the current generation is the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that creates 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s tuned for hard work and can tow up to 7,500 pounds according to Ford’s website. In the TFL video, there’s speculation on what engine the new Ranger will have––specifically the new Ford Ranger Raptor.
In one video it looks like there’s a towing test underway. While the model in camouflage could be an all-new Ranger Tremor model, the TFL host leans heavily toward its being a Raptor. There’s also speculation on what kind of engine the new Ford Ranger Raptor will have when he remarks “that trailer looks very heavy.”
Perhaps (though very doubtful) the new generation will get a diesel version of the Ford Ranger in the U.S. There’s also been talk of the new Ford Bronco‘s twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6. This powerplant generates 330 horses and 415 pound-feet and would make a lot of sense in a Ford Ranger Raptor model.
Could there be a hybrid Ranger?
Of course, there’s also a likelihood that the new Ford Ranger generation will get a hybrid powertrain. A hybrid powertrain for the Bronco was confirmed by executives on Twitter. So, there’s that and the available Ford F-150 hybrid powertrain. Plus, the all-new Ford F-150 lightning just debuted. Because of that, it’s reasonable to guess that Ford will produce a hybrid Ranger sometime in the near future.
