SCORE Journal

SCORE Journal - February 2018

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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The Ranger Raptor Is Coming… By Dan Sanchez To the delight of many SCORE fans, the Ranger Raptor made its debut in Thailand, answering the question if Ford was going to produce the 2019 Ranger in a Raptor format. The big question on the truck if it is simply an aesthetic appearance package or the real thing. The introduction in Asia, answered some of these questions, as it was showcased with Fox Racing, 46.6mm piston, Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) shock absorbers and a Watts link rear suspension system with coil-over springs. The upper A-arms are made from forged aluminum while cast aluminum lower arms are used to provide extreme off-road durability. The truck also has more ground clearance 283mm (11.14-inches) and a wider track with better approach and departure angles than what the standard Ranger will offer. The suspension also has more wheel travel and was showcased with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A 285/70 R17 tires. The chassis features stiffened side-rails are made from increased HSLA grade steel to absorb off-road high-speed impacts. The brakes feature larger twin-piston calipers and rotors with front and rear discs. Like the standard Ranger, the Raptor also features Ford’s Terrain Management System (TMS) offering six modes for various driving experiences and traction, as well as Electronic Stability Control. While the standard Ranger will feature a turbocharged 2.3L engine, the Asia version of the Raptor uses a 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel coupled to the same 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s not known as of yet if the North American version will carry the same power plant, but more than likely it will not. Ford’s Chief Engineer, Ford Performance, Jamal Hameedi, said that the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability of the range of vehicle it comes from, and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA appearance.” From the initial photos, this includes a new grille that is similar to the F-150 Raptor, with block lettering that stands out and a matte black finish. The frame-mounted front bumper features LED fog lamps and air ducts. Similar to the truck’s big sister, the Ranger Raptor has a step-board that prevents rocks from hitting the body, and feature a two-stage powder coating that’s extremely durable. The truck’s composite fenders are dent resistant and flared to give the truck the wider-looking stance that the Raptor design is known for. Ford indicated that this Asia model of the Raptor Ranger will be offered in Lightning Blue, Race Red, Shadow Black, Frozen White, and Conquer Grey. Contrasting Dyno Grey accents helps to accentuate the vehicle’s look even further. The rear bumper comes with an integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks and tow connectors. The truck has a towing capacity of over 5,000-lbs. (2500 kg) and has plenty of cargo space with a bed that’s slightly over five feet (1560 mm). Inside, Ranger Raptor’s seats are specially designed for off-road high-speed performance support and feature suede and two-tone leather with blue stitching. The instrument cluster has aggressive styling, encompassing a host of Driver Assist features, including an eight-inch touch-screen with a color rear backup camera. The steering wheel features lightweight magnesium paddle shifters and a center red stripe to mark the wheel’s center. While the Ranger Raptor will make its way in the Pacific Asia market, it will undoubtedly change slightly before it reaches the North American market. Nevertheless, this look at its appearance and potential is enough to keep SCORE fans waiting for their chance to get their hands on one and test it on Baja terrain. SJ

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