The Ford Ranger Raptor is coming to Europe and will be presented at Gamescom

Since we learned earlier this year that Ford was preparing the new Ranger Raptor, the toned-down version of the F-150 Raptor, we knew it would be a spectacular and truly capable pick-up over the toughest terrain, which is where the Ranger Raptor will be in its element. We also wondered whether we could enjoy it in Europe, and the answer is yes: it will arrive on the old continent after its presentation at the latest edition of Gamescom.

The new Ford Ranger Raptor is a creation born in the offices of Ford Performance, which already gives you an idea of the intentions behind this extreme pick-up, modelled on another impressive creation from the American manufacturer, the F-150 Raptor, from which it will borrow several parts. Furthermore, the Ranger Raptor will make an appearance in the new Forza Horizon 4, which is why it was chosen to be the first vehicle presented at a Gamescom edition, a presentation that, incidentally, took place yesterday.

The Ford Ranger Raptor has been designed to withstand the harshest conditions and rough treatment off-road, which is where all-terrain vehicles suffer the most, starting with a specific reinforced chassis made from high-strength, low-alloy steels. In this area the suspension also plays a particularly important role: it is competition-grade on the Ranger Raptor, with Fox-signed shock absorbers, which are high-performance with 46.6mm reinforced pistons and aluminium control arms. The tyres have been developed by BF Goodrich for the Ranger Raptor and are in size 285/70 R17, while braking is entrusted to 332 mm discs with dual-piston calipers.

If we continue upward, we will see a 2.3 mm high-strength steel protection plate which replaces the traditional protection for the engine and transfer case. Now, moving further outward, the differences compared with a standard Ranger are also visible, such as the front grille inspired by that of the F-150 Raptor, framed by high-intensity xenon headlights, while the frame-mounted front bumper also houses LED fog lights.

In the interior of the Ford Ranger Raptor, the choice has been made to blend sportiness with quality materials and functionality. These features can be found, for example, in the seats with dual-density cushions for comfortable off-road driving, suede-effect materials for greater grip, or the perforated leather on the steering wheel, which, incidentally, will feature magnesium gear-shift paddles.

That said, despite its styling and off-road orientation, the Ford Ranger Raptor does not forget to include extensive on-board technology, such as the SYNC 3 infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SYNC AppLink, an 8-inch touchscreen, or the services offered by FordPass Connect technology.

Mechanically, the Ford Ranger Raptor will be more than up to tackling any kind of driving and terrain, using for this a 2,000 cc EcoBlue twin-turbo diesel engine which delivers 213 CV of power and 500 Nm of torque, paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission it inherits directly from the F-150 Raptor. It will also feature six driving modes (Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja) as well as various safety-assist controls and technologies.

At the moment we do not know the arrival date of the new Ford Ranger Raptor on the Spanish market, nor its price, so we will remain alert to any news to bring it to you.