WHILE native ute lovers eagerly await the disclosing of the Raptor variant of the new-generation Ford Ranger, the Blue Oval has unleashed a hardcore model of its Jeep Wrangler-rivalling Bronco off-roader, replete with a stonking 294kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine.
The purposefully doorless Bronco Raptor is claimed to be the world’s first Ultra4 Racing-inspired 4×4 that’s as adept at scaling desert dunes at breakneck speeds as excessive rock crawling.
“The Bronco Raptor is our final car for hardcore off-road lovers who demand extra,” Ford Efficiency chief engineer Carl Widmann stated.
“Just like the Ultra4 desert race vehicles, the ‘Raptor of SUVs’ is provided with competition-level off-road expertise and {hardware}.”
This features a totally boxed, high-strength metal body with shock towers that facilitate elevated wheel journey, in addition to heavy-duty bash plates and skid plates. Courtesy of a B-pillar crossbar and C-pillar reinforcement, the Raptor’s physique is 50 per cent extra inflexible than that of an ordinary Bronco.
The Excessive-Efficiency Off-Highway Stability Suspension 4.0 was co-developed with FOX and Ford Efficiency. The adaptive system delivers as much as 60 per cent extra wheel journey than earlier than, whereas the competition-level axles enhance monitor width by 218mm. Floor clearance is a claimed 333mm.
In the meantime, the newcomer’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivers 294kW and 563Nm of torque. The powerplant, which makes the Raptor as essentially the most highly effective road-legal Bronco ever, options uprated intercooler and air-induction programs to compensate for larger ambient desert temperatures. It’s mated with a beefed-up model of Ford’s 10-speed automated transmission.
So as to add to the Raptor’s sense of theatre, a twin exhaust system with energetic valve expertise produces no fewer than 4 selectable exhaust notes together with Regular, Sport, Quiet and Baja.
The Bronco Raptor makes use of Ford’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Sort of Terrain) terrain administration system, which gives seven selectable modes, together with a uniquely tuned Baja mode and a Tow/Haul mode that permits for a most tow score of 2041kg.
The off-roader’s inside is not any much less purpose-built as its hardcore exterior therapy. The cabin options, inter alia, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and equally sized SYNC4 touchscreen infotainment array, in addition to a 360-degree digicam system.
“The Bronco Raptor inside was designed round what we all know hardcore off-road racers need,” Ford design supervisor Ryan Olsson stated.
“From the all-new Efficiency View on the cluster and distinctive steering wheel with paddle shifters and fingertip entry to Raptor-specific controls, to its high-bolster entrance seats, the Bronco Raptor leaves the manufacturing facility prepared for the beginning line.”
The prolonged Ford Bronco vary stays unique to the North American market.
