Ford Ranger Raptor to deal with 2022 Baja 1000

A redesigned Ford Ranger is coming subsequent yr, and can embrace for the primary time, at the least within the U.S., a high-performance Ranger Raptor variant.

Each the brand new Ranger and Ranger Raptor have already been launched in world markets, certainly one of which is Australia, the place Ford’s native division has constructed an extra-rugged Ranger Raptor to deal with the 2022 Baja 1000 beginning Nov. 18.

Ford partnered with racing outfits Kelly Racing and Lovell Racing to develop the truck, with the latter, led by proficient off-road racer Brad Lovell, additionally set to subject the truck at Baja.

Modifications made embrace a 3.0-inch raise package, widened wheel arches, and Methodology Racing wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich off-road tires. The engine is the Ranger Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, which in inventory kind delivers a most 392 hp. Ford hasn’t stated whether or not any upgrades have been made to the engine for the Baja 1000, although to spotlight the automaker’s sustainability efforts, the truck shall be fueled by a low-carbon gasoline sourced from Shell. The gasoline includes a 30% mix of renewables, on this case a mixture of ethanol and bionaphtha.

Ford entered specifically ready variations of the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor within the Baja 1000 forward of these autos’ respective market launches, so it is no shock the automaker is doing the identical with the Ranger Raptor. The occasion has turn into kind of a ultimate take a look at for the automaker’s desert racers.

“The Baja 1000 is a demanding occasion and a well known proving floor for off-road autos,” Brian Novak, Ford Efficiency’s head of off-road motorsports, stated in an announcement. “By getting into this occasion, we’re constructing on the lots of of 1000’s of kilometers of improvement testing and pushing the Ranger Raptor to new extremes.”

The redesigned Ranger is anticipated for the 2024 mannequin yr within the U.S. It’s based mostly on the identical up to date T6 platform that debuted within the Bronco, and North American variations shall be constructed on the similar Michigan plant the place the Bronco and current-generation Ranger are constructed.

The Raptor model will include elevated energy, in addition to off-road suspension, off-road wheels and tires, and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a 2-speed switch case and differential locks entrance and rear.