The next generation of the popular ute is due next year and the rumour mill has kicked into overdrive with some tasty details.
Ford is set to beef up its next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, according to reports.
US publication Ford Authority claims that the new Ranger Raptor, expected late in 2022, will come with a mighty 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
The burly petrol unit is expected to make up to 298kW and 563Nm.
That is a huge jump over the current version’s 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that makes 157kW and 500Nm.
Ford faced some criticism at the launch of the current Ranger Raptor for not adding enough performance.
Instead Ford focused on the vehicle’s off-road ability, adding heavy-duty Fox racing shocks, off-road driving modes, all terrain tyres and other adventure-focused elements.
The potential switch to a big petrol engine from a smaller diesel is being drive by the fact that the next-generation Ranger Raptor will be sold in the US, where diesel power isn’t popular.
Ford is expected to maintain the current version’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
It is unclear whether Australian versions will get the petrol option considering diesel is the overwhelming fuel of choice for dual-cabs down under.
Development costs are likely to decide which engine we get in Australia, as the price of engineering the Raptor as a diesel for our relatively small market might be too much.
The Ranger is a red-hot success in Australia. It was the best selling car in April, and Ford Australia is having a big input into the development of the next-generation model.
The Raptor is expected to keep its off-road focus that has made it so popular with weekend warriors around the country.
In preparation for the new model arriving Ford has started to release special editions to keep interest high.
The latest is the Raptor X which benefits from cosmetic changes that should increase its appeal with ute enthusiasts.
The Ranger Raptor X is priced at about $85,000 drive-away.