Ford confirmed that the Ranger is finally going to arrive on the US market in the near future. They also said the truck is going to be based on the existing T6 Ranger chassis. However, it seems that it will not be identical to it. Ford has made some clear changes and it seems the new Ranger will be better to drive than its current sibling and likely much more powerful too. More interesting is the fact that not that long ago a new version of it has been spied. It looks like the truck may also receive an entirely new trim level with the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor.
Nobody ever thought about this development up until a few weeks ago when a test mule of it has been spied. It looks like Ford is quite adamant of creating the best medium size truck on the US market and so far it looks like they might just pull it off.
Source: caradvice.com.au
So far it looks like all the versions of the Ranger will use roughly the same ladder frame as the one found under the T6 version. However, it looks like this will be modified slightly. Firstly, the US model will get a fully boxed in chassis which should increase rigidity with a small increase of weight. It also looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor will boast a fully independent rear suspension with coil springs which is very interesting to see.
Also as an upgrade, it seems that the test mule of the truck had disc brakes front and rear which is definitely an upgrade over the rear drums found on the current version. These should improve the truck’s stopping ability while the suspension will give it far better ride quality and performance both on and off the road.
2019 Ford Ranger Raptor Price & Release date
With all of the great things that come with Ranger Raptor, the price, unfortunately, won’t be one of them. With mid-size trucks getting larger and closer in size to full-size pickups so does their price. The price will be close to $40,000, but if you believe us, it’s going to be worth it. The competitors in the form of off-road versions of Tacoma and Colorado are priced in the same region.
As for the release date of 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor, you shouldn’t expect one anytime soon. With development being in early stages we should expect finished product during mid-2018. This will signal the release for viewers. The first customers of Ranger Raptor should expect to be able to buy one in late months of 2018.
Source: caradvice.com.au
The design – Exterior Features
The spied test mule of the Raptor version seems to be quite a bit more different than the regular model. Firstly, it still uses the same cabin design, and roughly the same bed, as the current Ranger. However, it definitely has a brand new front end which is clearly more aggressive than any other Ranger on the market. It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor boasts new swept-back headlights which are slimmer than on the current model. The grille is also larger and hexagonal, similar to what the F-150 Raptor has.
The bumper on the other hand is pretty much identical to that of the Raptor. It is quite clear it sports an off-road specific bumper which would allow it a much better approach angle than otherwise. The test mule of the truck also had large 33 inch off-road tires mounted on what seemed to be 17 inch alloy-rims. The truck was taller than the regular model too and it definitely had flared wheel arches. All of these are expected to be offered, in one form or another, on the production Ranger.
Source: caradvice.com.au
Inside the cabin of Ranger Raptor
Unfortunately the interior of the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor is still under wraps. Even so, it is safe to assume the truck will definitely have the same dashboard design as the new Ranger. It will come with a few upgrades though. Expect it to boast leather upholstery sporting contrasting stitching, likely a similar steering wheel to that of the Raptor as well as a new instrument cluster. In terms of features it should be pretty close to a range-topping version of the Ranger.
2016 Ford Ranger Interior – Source: topspeed.com
Under the hood – Ford Ranger Raptor and Its V-6
While the Ranger will come with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines, the upcoming 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor is expected to boast twin-turbocharged power. It still is unclear as to what engine Ford will install. At this point most rumors seem to suggest the truck will come equipped with Ford’s 2.7 liter twin-turbocharged V6. This engine, despite being small, is known to make over 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Even though it doesn’t even come close to the F-150 Raptor, it would still be enough to allow the Ranger to become the fastest truck in its class. With the help of a 10 speed automatic and a standard four wheel drive system, the truck should also be one of the most capable in off-road. This will also be possible thanks to its raised suspension, likely boasting Fox-racing shocks, and larger than usual tires.
