2022 Ford Ranger Raptor spy photos: Our best look yet at twin-turbo V6 petrol super-ute

Fresh spy photos show Ford is putting the finishing touches on the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor. Here’s what we can expect from the twin-turbo V6 petrol monster truck.

The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor promises to be the fastest, most powerful, and most capable ute in its class when it goes on sale later this year.

And, as these photos show, behind the disguise it seems the new model will retain the giant F-O-R-D letters across the grille, which have been a signature of Raptor models since day one.

Fresh spy photos out of the US show Ford is putting the finishing touches on the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor.

While the regular Ford Ranger line-up is due in Australian showrooms mid-year, the Raptor performance edition is expected to arrive late in the second half of 2022, pending any delays.

As reported earlier by Drive, Ford will answer the call for more power with the new model.

While the current Ford Ranger Raptor has been criticised for being underpowered thanks to its twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, the next generation will get a massive power bump.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine from the Ford Explorer ST sold in the US is expected to be adopted for the Ford Performance pick-up.

Although the regular Ford Ranger line-up will have the option of a single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine (adapted from the Ford F-150 in the US), the Ford Ranger Raptor will adopt twin-turbo V6 petrol power for a few reasons.

First of all, the new Ford Ranger Raptor is almost certain to be introduced in the US (North America misses out on the current model), which is primarily a petrol market.

Indeed, the latest spy photos show a left-hand-drive example of the new Ranger Raptor being tested near Ford’s US engineering centre.

Secondly, petrol is the easiest way to unleash mega power.

And, thirdly, the 10-speed automatic means Ford is hopeful fuel consumption won’t be a major concern for customers.

Sales of V8 petrol-powered US pick-ups in Australia have demonstrated buyers in that price range are prepared to pay a bit more at the bowser in return for better performance.

It means Ford will have the whole range of power options covered in the new Ranger line-up, with a plug-in hybrid available in some markets, a choice of 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines with various outputs, the single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 from the F-150, plus the twin-turbo petrol V6 for the Ranger Raptor.

Drive understands Ford deemed it prohibitively expensive to develop a petrol-powered Ranger Raptor for the US, as well as a diesel-powered Ranger Raptor for Australia and other markets.

The new Ford Ranger Raptor promises to have better grip. While the current model is rear-wheel drive – until all-wheel drive can be activated off-road – the new model is expected to have the option of all-wheel drive on sealed roads.

Photos show Ford has wisely stuck with the highly regarded BFGoodrich K03 off-road tyres, although it is hoped the all-wheel-drive system will assist the knobbly tyres which can get a bit sketchy in the wet.

Photos of the front of the engineering test vehicle indicate bi-LED headlights and radar cruise control will be part of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor package.

The tail-lights are understood to house sensors for blind-zone warning and rear cross-traffic alert, as per other models in the new-generation Ford Ranger line-up.

Core elements of the Ford Ranger Raptor DNA – such as heavy-duty tow hooks front and rear, and bumpers designed for improved ground clearance – also appear to have been adapted for the new model.

Heavy-duty Fox shocks and a coil-spring rear end are expected to be part of the new Ford Ranger Raptor, but developed further for even better off-road performance.

It’s unclear if the twin exhaust tips will be as conspicuous as the ones on the engineering test vehicle, or if they will be tucked out of view when the showroom version arrives.

Shift paddles on the steering wheel will help drivers select up to 10 revised ratios in the overhauled automatic transmission, for better acceleration and better responsiveness.

Sports seats and a sports steering wheel are expected to be part of the package, but the 12-inch infotainment screen is expected to unlock more Ford Performance functionality and driver personalisation.

The widescreen digital instrument screen will have unique Raptor graphics and display settings.

The Raptor will finally get the same advanced safety aids as the rest of the 2022 Ford Ranger line-up (today’s Raptor doesn’t even get radar cruise control).

Ford insiders who have tested the vehicle insist the combination of V6 power, all-wheel-drive, and an improved chassis have taken the new Ford Ranger Raptor to a whole new level.

Drive understands the new model will be unveiled in the first half of this year – with teaser images pointing to a debut in February – before deliveries commence in late 2022.

The post 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor spy photos: Our best look yet at twin-turbo V6 petrol super-ute appeared first on Drive.