Pricing for the most extreme version of Ford's best selling Ranger ute has been revealed before the first models arrive later this year.
Ford New Zealand has confirmed the first-ever Ranger Raptor will go on sale with a recommended retail price of $84,990+ORCs.
The Ranger Raptor, the first Ford Performance ute offered in New Zealand, will be offered in a single dual-cab specification, featuring an all-new powertrain, advanced suspension and 'unmatched capability' off-road.
“We’re unbelievably excited to confirm that the Ranger Raptor is coming to New Zealand in 2018,” said, managing director of Ford New Zealand, Simon Rutherford.
“The response to our announcement in September, and the interest from the global reveal back in February to bring it to market at such an affordable price only adds to the anticipation ahead of its arrival in local showrooms.”
“Kiwis love the Ranger, and there have been calls for a vehicle like the Ranger Raptor for some time,” said Rutherford. “The Ford design and engineering team has worked incredibly hard with Ford Performance on this truly unique program to deliver a product that will live up to the Raptor DNA, and the high expectations of New Zealanders.”
The Ranger Raptor will be powered by a new-generation Bi-Turbo diesel producing 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque, delivered to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox and six-mode Terrain Management System (TMS), which includes low- and high- range four-wheel drive and a locking rear-differential.
The Ranger Raptor’s TMS introduces 'Baja' mode, which is exclusive to Raptor and offers the ultimate off-road performance setting.
As standard the Ranger Raptor will come fitted with 33-inch diameter BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres and Ranger Raptor-specific heavy-duty side- steps.
Underneath the skin, Ranger Raptor features long travel suspension with Fox Shox, aluminium upper and lower control arms, heavy duty skid-plates and underbody protection. Ford say the specially developed suspension will make the Ranger Raptor the most capable off-road ute availible in New Zealand with wider front and rear tracks, greater ride height, increased approach and departure angles, as well as water wading capability of 850mm.
As standard, the Ranger Raptor will feature keyless entry, push-button, power tailgate lock, Ford's SYNC 3 with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen and standard sat-nav, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Raptor interior features leather-accented bucket seats, all-new instrument cluster with its own start-up display, and a Raptor-embossed, competition-spec steering wheel.
“This is a fully warranted, factory performance vehicle,” said Ranger Raptor Chief Program Engineers, Damien Ross.
“While Raptor DNA calls for extreme performance, the vehicle must meet the regulations, demands and expectations in terms of ownership experience that all of our products are measured by. That’s no mean feat.”
The Ranger Raptor will be introduced later this year following testing at Australia’s You Yangs Proving Ground, with Ford Australia engineers and designers playing major role in development.