EXCLUSIVE: Thrilling Ford Ranger Raptor debuts in Nepal

Ford Ranger Raptor – the toughest and most high-performing version of the Ford Ranger, has debuted at Ford Nepal’s Wilderness Get-A-Way 2018, in Kathmandu. Priced at a whopping Rs 1.25 crores, the bold new model has been developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader. The new Ranger Raptor is the ultimate performance utility vehicle that offers the best of both worlds. The heavy-duty suspension tames rough tracks and also delivers a smooth ride in urban areas and on motorways. Everything about the Ranger Raptor builds on the already outstanding sophisticated feel and functional capability of the Ranger, and then goes further.Unveiled in Ford Performance Blue with contrasting Dyno Grey accents, the new Ranger Raptor’s aggressive design is driven by performance and functionality. Ford Performance DNA is executed throughout the body. The dramatic front grille of the Ranger Raptor is inspired by the world’s first factory-built high-performance off-road truck – the Ford F-150 Raptor. The bold grille dominates the space between the xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and above a frame-mounted front-bumper system. The front bumper also includes new LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts that improve airflow around the body.[gallery size="full" ids="6879,6880,6878"]Ranger Raptor’s underbody shield is mammoth. Its 2.3mm thick high strength steel is designed to absorb the impact from almost any off-road event. The front fenders allow for longer suspension travel and oversized tires. The side step boards are designed specifically to prevent rock spray from hitting the rear of the truck, and feature drain points for sand, mud and snow.Inside, the Ranger Raptor’s purpose-built sports seats include unique headrests, enhanced bolsters and suede inserts for better body grip when driving off-road. Blue stitching and leather accents feature throughout. Lightweight, racing-style magnesium paddle shifters for crisp gear changes are easily accessible near the perforated leather hand grips of the bespoke steering wheel, which uses an on-centre marker to help drivers keep track of wheel position off-road.Sophisticated technologies designed to make the new RangerRaptor comfortable and convenient on- or off-road include Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, which enables drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features SYNC AppLink for voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps. The system’s central 8-inch colour touchscreen can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures, and features sat-nav technology that comes into its own when off-roading in remote locations, even offering a “breadcrumb” feature to leave a trail when exploring unchartered areas.[gallery size="full" ids="6863,6864,6862,6865"]Developed by Ford Performance for the true enthusiast off-roader, the first-ever Ranger Raptor is powered by a Bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 210 BHP of power at 3750RPM and 500 Nm of torque between 1750-2000RPM; and Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox. The Bi-Turbo diesel engine’s two turbos work sequentially to deliver huge power and torque on demand. The 10-speed automatic transmission is shared with the F-150 Raptor and has been created with high-strength steel, aluminium alloys and composites to optimise durability and weight.A 32.5° approach angle, 24° departure angle, and 24°break-over angle help you tackle any gradient, and a class-leading 283mm of ground clearance puts ample space between you and almost any off-road obstacle. The Ranger Raptor measures 5398m in length and has a wheelbase of 3220m.Driver assistance and safety technologies include an enhanced version of Ford Stability Control incorporating Roll MitigationFunction; and Electronic Stability Control; Trailer Sway Control; Hill StartAssist; Hill Descent Control; and Load Adaptive Control.Built to withstand high-impact off-road events, Ranger Raptor’s unique, super-strong reinforced chassis frame uses high-strength,low-alloy steels to endure the punishment delivered by off-road racing. FOXshock absorbers with Position Sensitive Damping provide higher damping forces at extremes for unparalleled off-road capability, and lower damping forces in more moderate conditions for a smoother ride on-road.The high-performance dampers with 46.6 mm pistons are supported by aluminium control arms, with protruding shock absorber towers at the front and a bespoke new coil over rear suspension arrangement featuring an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. Braking is performed by twin-piston front callipers;332 mm by 32 mm ventilated front discs, and 332 mm by 24 mm ventilated rear discs.All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor. Measuring 838 mm in diameter and 285 mm wide, the design offers a tough sidewall to take on the most formidable environments with confidence, and an aggressive off-road tread pattern that provides an iron grip in wet, mud, sand and snow conditions.