We get our first look at a prototype for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor wearing its production body, and running with a 2023 Bronco Warthog!
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
A new Ford Ranger is expected to be revealed in 2023 and this week Ford South Africa announced a $1-billion investment to upgrade its Silverton manufacturing plant where the new Ranger and the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will be built.
A new Ranger Raptor is also due in 2023 and a right-hand-drive prototype has now been spied undergoing testing with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet! This engine develops 231 kW and 540 Nm and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Ranger Raptor was joined by a Bronco Warthog prototype, and the two had nearly identical engine and exhaust notes, locking in the notion that these two off-road offerings will be very closely related, mechanically.
In terms of styling, these spy shots reveal the Raptor's flared, brawnier body and Raptor-spec “FORD” grille treatment which is only partially obscured by the camouflage. Raptor-style wheels, and the usual BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are also fitted, mere days after the announcement that the South African version of the Ranger Raptor was moving from the BFGs to General Grabber AT3 rubber . The Ranger Raptor prototype is fitted with wide-set dual exhaust, carefully tucked under the bumper for maximum ground clearance.
The Ranger Raptor’s rear suspension has some camouflage, almost certainly hiding the Live-Valve shocks that have also been photographed on the Bronco Warthog.
We will keep you updated as more news regarding the new Ranger Raptor becomes available.
Buy a Ford Ranger Raptor on Cars.co.za
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