After a long teaser period and the reveal of the regular Ranger, the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor has been revealed ahead of an Australian release in the second half of 2022. Now using a petrol V6 engine instead of the former twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine of the last-generation Ranger Raptor, the new Raptor promises much more performance than before, while its off-road performance has also been improved with the addition of new tech.

“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer for Ranger Raptor.

“It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and is the strongest Built Ford Tough Ranger we’ve ever made.”

Under the bonnet of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 that pumps out a massive 292kW of power and 583Nm of torque – almost double the power of the bi-turbo diesel that’s used in the current Ranger Raptor. The engine is shared with the North America-only Explorer ST, though it also features anti-lag technology for greater throttle response. Like lesser Ranger models, the Raptor uses a 10-speed automatic and unique to the Raptor is variable valve exhaust system for added aural pleasure.

The old Ranger Raptor had six driving modes and the new model somehow has more at seven: normal, sport, slippery, rock, sand, mud and high-speed off-road Baja. Other off-road kit includes an off-road cruise control system, a new four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials and the big selling point of the Raptor: Fox 2.5-inch shock absorbers that give the Raptor big off-road performance.

Completing the off-road transformation of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is the exterior, which features off-road bumpers, a special grille with ‘F-O-R-D’ lettering, Matrix LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich K02 tyres, LED tailights, and even front and rear towing hooks.

Inside the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor has also been fettled with sports seats, orange accents throughout the cabin, ambient cabin lighting and aluminium paddle shifters. That’s on top of standard Ranger features such as a massive 12.0-inch vertical touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system, a 12.4-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless phone charging and a Bang and Olufsen sound system.

The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is due to hit Australia by the end of the year. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.

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