Leisure Wheels – September 2019

TEST Ford Ranger Raptor

58 SEPTEMBER 2019 leisurewheels.co.za

500Nm of torque and is mated

to a new 10-speed gearbox.

Key to the performance of

this new-generation engine is

the Bi-Turbo system that

ensures power delivery

throughout the rev range. The

innovative layout uses a small

high-pressure turbo connected

in series to a large low-pressure

turbo, controlled with bypass

valves determining the

operating mode depending on

engine speed. At lower engine

speed, the two turbos work in

series, enhancing torque and

responsiveness, while at higher

speeds, the small high-pressure

turbo is bypassed and the

larger low-pressure turbo takes

up the slack, providing all the

boost needed to deliver top-

end power.

But the Raptor weighs

2 430kg and has to battle the

added rolling resistance of

all-terrain tyres. The result is

control is pared to allow more

spirited off-road driving, like a

bit of sideways action. In this

mode, the gearbox is allowed

to venture closer to the red line

before shifting and down-

shifting is more aggressive. The

original Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

came third in the 2008 Baja

1000 before going on sale to

customers in the US in 2010.

Pretoria boytjies, it is

pronounced BA-HA.

The braking system has also

been uprated. Front braking is

performed by twin-piston front

callipers, increased in piston

diameter by more than 20%

compared to a standard Ranger

along with ventilated discs. At

the rear are ventilated discs and

a separate brake actuation

master cylinder.

IS IT PRACTICAL?

The rear load box is perfect for

leisure items or tools but this

a bakkie that might be able to

cruise at high speeds on gravel

but one that lacks a bit in the

accelerating and overtaking

department. Make no mistake,

a light prod of the throttle

when in Baja mode allows you

to break traction and cue

spectacular controllable side-

ways action. But from the

traffic lights, the Raptor takes

12.2 seconds to reach 100km/h

and speeding up from 60–

120km/h needs 15.4 seconds.

Drivers are able to select from

six terrain management system

modes to tackle a wide range of

terrain and driving scenarios

including Normal, Sport, Grass/

Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock

and Baja modes.

Baja mode is designed for

driving across harsh terrain at

speed, just like during that

legendary off-road race through

Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. When

Baja mode is selected, traction

This page,

clockwise

from right:

The Ranger

Raptor is

unrivalled on

dirt roads.

An imposing

grille with Ford

block lettering

shows this

bakkie means

business.

Unique 17-inch

multi-spoke

alloys are shod

in BFGoodrich

All-Terrain

KO2s.

Drivers can

select from

six terrain

management

modes

including ‘Baja’.

Opposite

page, bottom:

When Baja

mode is

selected,

traction

control is

reduced to

allow for more

spirited off-

road driving.