2022 Ford Ranger Raptor a step closer to Australia: new spy photos from Thailand
A week after the new Ford Ranger Raptor was caught on camera in the US, another example has been spotted testing closer to our shores.
The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is not far away from being revealed, if these spy photos of a test vehicle in Thailand are any indication.
In addition to the usual camouflage – to disguise the design – Ford has stuck “Raptor” stickers on the flanks and other promotional messages on the tailgate and doors.
The last time Ford applied a labeled camouflaged wrap to the new Ford Ranger it was only a few weeks away from being unveiled.
Although the latest round of spy photos were taken in Thailand – where Australian-sourced Ford Rangers are built – the images appeared on the Instagram page of kurdistan_automotive_blog.
The new batch of photos give little away, but we have spotted a few items of note.
The headlights appear to be the upmarket bi-LED design, the shin-grazing heavy-duty sidesteps look set to remain (though redesigned for the new model), the step-wedge near the rear bumper of regular versions of the new Ranger has been blanked over (even though it might be a handy device to access the tray in the high-riding off-roader), two large exhaust tips appear on this test model too (the same as the US version), the front fender vents have a sleeker design, and the centre section of the tail-lights appear to house sensors for blind zone and rear cross-traffic alerts.
As reported by Drive earlier, the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor promises to be the fastest, most powerful, and most capable ute in its class.
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 we reported earlier, 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 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 is expected to adopt twin turbo V6 petrol power.
The option of a single-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine for the new Ford Ranger Raptor is a technical possibility – given that engine is expected to be available in the Wildtrak model grade – Ford historically has preferred to invest in and develop one engine option for its performance models.
The exception to that is the Ford Focus ST, which is available in Europe as a petrol or diesel.
However, Ford is likely banking on the 10-speed auto maximising the efficiency of the twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.
As previously noted, 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.
For more details on what we can expect with the new Ford Ranger Raptor, click here for our previous coverage.
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