9 Things We Want in a US-Spec Ranger Raptor
It’s been about a year since Ford announced that the Ranger would be returning to US roads. In that time we’ve seen a few prototypes running around, and had a recent introduction at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Two days ago we saw the reveal of the Raptor Ranger for foreign markets, but it’s still debatable whether we’ll be seeing that particular Hi-Po Ford on our shores. However, until we know something more concrete about whether or not we’ll be getting a Ranger Raptor here think it would be a good idea to delve into what we would expect from such a Ford. This is our TOP 9 (Ain't nobody got time for 10) List of features we want to see in a US-Spec Ford Ranger Raptor.
Ford 8.8 Axles – Front and Rear
So far Ford has announced that the Ranger will come with Dana axles, but we have not been told which models. Most likely they will be part of Dana’s newest generation of axles designed with an eye towards increasing fuel economy. We have long been fans of the Ford 8.8 axle for its strength, simplicity, and aftermarket support. The Super 8.8 currently used in the Mustang and F-150 builds on that tradition of strength and takes it to another level. It would be great to see those American made axles under an American made Ranger Raptor.
Torsen Front Differential
The F-150 Raptor has spoiled us with its front Torsen differential, it’s great. The amount of traction it can aid it loose terrain is greatly appreciated, and the improvements in steering are definitely noticeable. That being the case, we’d certainly like to have all those benefits in the F-150’s little brother.
3.2L Powerstroke Engine Option
This is a big ask. The 3.2 Powerstroke has been the top dog engine in the Global Ranger for several years. Depending on the market, it makes decent power and substantial torque; all while delivering respectable mileage and utility. This engine is already available in the US in the full-size Ford Transit van, and seems to be quite popular. While the Raptor Ranger appears to be launching with an all-new dual-turbo 2.0 I-4 diesel engine, we would like to see Ford’s big-little diesel in the US Ranger. Barring that, we’d settle for the new 3.0 V6 Powerstroke that will soon be available in the F-150.
6—Speed Manual Transmission Option
Alright, I’ve accepted the fact that I’m a dinosaur. I love a manual transmission, especially on a truck. The general trend has been towards extinction for the stick-shift, but I’m a founding member of Save the Manuals. While the chance of Ford producing a Ranger Raptor is basically zero, I would be running down to the local Ford dealership to beat my salesman with a tube sock full of $100 bills just to make sure he understands that I want to order one.
2.7L EcoBoost Engine Option
We are living in Generation Turbo. If it’s a Ford there’s a good chance that you can get a direct-injected turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The US-Spec Ranger has already been announced to have the Mustang’s 2.3L EcoBoost, but we know that a Ford Performance version would need something more substantial. This is where the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost comes in. Even though the 2.7L only boasts 400cc more displacement, its second turbo and compacted-graphite-iron block signals its performance potential. Tuners like Livernois Motorsports have been showing how great the 2.7 can be for a couple years. If Ford combines the 2.7L EcoBoost with the 10R80 in a US-Spec Raptor Ranger they could have a real game changer on their hands.
30 MPG Highway from the Powerstroke Diesel
One of the main reasons a customer buy smaller/compact pickups is superior economy over their full-size brethren. With the old Ranger, that advantage started to slip as it got a bit long in the tooth while the F-150 continued to be updated. Towards the end of its run the 4.0 V6 in a Ranger was delivering worse mileage that a V8 F-150, thanks in large part to the 6R80 transmission. We’re to the point where the new 3.0 Powerstroke in the F-150 is promised to deliver at least 30MPG, and we expect the same for a Raptor Ranger. The new Ranger isn’t going to feature the lighter aluminum body that the F-150 is equipped with, so its already at a bit of a disadvantage. Add to that the fact that off-road capable trucks tend to get worse mileage than their street oriented brothers, and the Ranger Raptor would have an uphill battle to get to 30MPG. However, with a diesel and the 10R80 transmission it could be possible.
Available in all Cab Configurations
I’m a bit disappointed that a regular cab option isn’t slatted for the US-Spec Ranger, but I can deal with that for now. However, I really want to see the Ranger Raptor offered with an Extended-Cab alongside the Crew-Cab. That shorter wheelbase could really help on a lot of trails (especially on the East Coast), and the longer bed could make the truck much more practical. On top of that, we all know the Extended-Cab F-150 Raptor is the best looking version.
Ability to tow at least 5000 pounds
This one is pretty self explanatory, but a truck should be able to tow (unless it’s a GMC Syclone). Considering that Raptor suspension packages tend to be softer, not a great thing for carrying a load, 5,000 pounds of capacity may be a bit much to ask. However, that number represents a figure that makes the truck as useful as a truck.
Base Price Under $38,000
Let’s face it, new vehicle of basically any type are expensive. It seems that increasing levels of features, options, and government mandates are the leading factors of sky-high MSRPs. The last new Ranger I bought was a 2002 FX4 model (the Raptor of its deal), and it stickered around $25,000. Here in 2018, I wouldn’t doubt that we could see a Ranger Raptor tickle double that price. However, if Ford wants to sell oodles of these things a Sub-$40,000 MSRP would be a great place to start. I’d definitely be up for one with (gasp!!!) cloth seats.
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