Worldwide, Ford has been synonymous with one thing: Pickup trucks. In fact, in North America, its F-Series trucks have dominated the continent for more than 40 years already.
“They are like the Swiss army knife of the auto world,” one popular American vehicle website said.
“Want luxury and modern tech? Check. Are you after off-roading capability? Handled. Is the versatility of massive cargo something you need? The pickup truck has it covered,” it even added.
Here in our own turf, it’s the same story. The Ford Ranger Raptor, for one, has lorded over the competition—particularly the 4×4 segment—for several years.
Recently, it just raised the bar a bit higher with the introduction of the Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor at Arca South in Taguig City.
Just like its predecessor, this Next-Gen Raptor, designed and engineered by Ford Performance, is one badass machine in a complete package—but this time, much meaner.
Ford Philippines managing director, Mike Breen, even said: “Rooted in our Ford Performance DNA, the Next-Gen Raptor is more capable and tougher than ever. It is designed to conquer any terrain with a bold new look and powerful performance with major upgrades and enhancements to already-popular features that Filipino customers have grown to love.”
“We are truly excited for the return of the Raptor brand, and we are confident that the second-generation Raptor will continue to resonate with performance pickup enthusiasts in the country,” he added.
For years, this behemoth has been the king of the 4×4 pickup segment, not just in sales, but primarily for its off-road prowess. With this new more optimized off-road machine, there’s no denying about its undisputable superiority. Thus, to prove this point, here are several reasons why.
Supreme performance workhorse
This monster truck knows no limits. It is packed with a full-time four-wheel drive system, switching on the fly to rear wheel drive, a rear locking differential, underbody protection, and aggressive approach and departure angles with a cinch.
It—too—sports a 2.5-inch FOX shocks with position sensitive damping technology, providing higher damping forces at full jounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities. This, while it increases wheel travel and outstanding bump absorption, delivering ultimate stability and comfort on all terrains.
Equipped with a Trail Control System, performing like “cruise control” tailored for offroad, there’s a select a set speed to control the throttle and braking functions. This allows the driver to focus entirely on steering through challenging terrains.
Intelligently capable and efficient
Under the hood of the NextGen Raptor is the highly capable 2.0L bi-Turbo diesel engine, mated to a 10-speed automatic tranny with e-Shifter, producing 208hp and 500N-m torque.
Other than this, it has seven driving mode, namely: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Baja. It can tackle each driving condition by calibrating all aspects of the vehicle, from traction control, engine, transmission calibration, just to name a few.
Oozing with machismo
Obviously, like the Raptor of old, this Next-Gen model inherits the same performance chassis packaged in a tough and rugged exterior. To simply put it, the vehicle oozes with machismo in every angle.
Its bold profile speaks of strength and power through its increased track and flared wheel arches. More than ever, its commanding presence is highlighted by its aggressive front fascia with its Matrix headlights with C-clamp daytime running lights and bigger F-O-R-D lettering, paired together with its sturdy bumpers.
Adding to its muscular stance are its 17-inch alloys with BF Goodrich K02 high performance all-terrain tires designed for aggressive traction on and off the road.
Bold functionality inside
Its virility spills over inside with its bold steering wheel with on-center Raptor logo, durable materials throughout, and Code Orange stitching on the instrument panel, trim, and seats.
Magnesium paddle shifters able the driver to shift precisely on the performance modes and deliver exact commands, spot on. The cabin also features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats. Likewise, it prides itself of seamless connectivity. From its new center console, it features creature comforts from easy access to controls, storage and wireless charging faculties.
Moreover, valuable information is provided through large 12-inch digital instrument cluster with fully-configurable layout and gauges that displays a start-up and farewell animation, digital speedometer and tachometer. Not to mention 12-inch touchscreen central display, featuring the Ford SYNC4A communication and entertainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities.
Advanced safety technology
With its off-road flair comes top-notch safety features, such as: 360-degree camera with a split-view display; drive line and diff-lock indicator; steering angle and guides; vehicle roll and pitch angles. These go along with advanced driver-assist technologies that include: Active park assist 2.0; adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and lane centering; pre-collision assist with forward collision warning; evasive steer assist; reverse brake assist; lane departure warning; auto high beam; post impact braking and blind spot information system.
The Ultimate Ranger
This Next-Gen Raptor is priced starting at P2,339,000 and comes with a five-year warranty for a worry-free ownership experience. It is available in five colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey and Code Orange (additional P15,000).
“Through simulator tests, computer modeling and punishing real-world testing in the Australian outback, we’ve improved key areas like steering, ride and handling at high and low speeds, on- and off-road. This takes what was an already incredible platform and we further leveled it up to deliver an outstanding driving experience for our Next-Gen Raptor customers,” said Dan Ciccocioppo, T6 Global program manager and product development launch manager, Ford Motor Company.
He then continued, “When we started working on the Next-Gen Raptor, we decided early on to go all out in the pursuit of creating the ultimate Ranger.”
Hence, by the looks of it, it truly is one.
