Ford has launched a Raptor variant of its Bronco SUV, expanding its Bronco lineup with a new high-priced model and new off-road capabilities.

Said to be the company’s “most powerful street-legal Bronco ever”, the Bronco Raptor is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol V6 engine.

Ford has not revealed the official power and torque figures yet but is aiming for a power output of more than 400 horsepower.

The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case that sends power to all four wheels.

In line with other Raptor models in the Ford line-up, the Bronco variant benefits from Fox Racing shock absorbers with adaptive damping technology that Ford claims “monitors terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjusts suspension tuning accordingly.”

Other mechanical highlights include a new electric power steering rack “influenced by the F-150 Raptor”, larger tie rod ends and electronic locking front and rear differentials.

The Bronco Raptor’s frame has been upgraded with new reinforcements that claim to increase chassis rigidity by 50 per cent.

It also features 17-inch alloy wheel rims, wrapped in BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres measuring 37 inches (940mm) in diameter. These tyres and extended wheel arch combination mean the Bronco Raptor is 250mm wider than the average Bronco.

According to Ford, the vehicle’s ground clearance measures in at 333mm – along with 330mm front wheel travel and 356mm at the rear.

There’s also a Ford Performance heavy-duty steel front bumper with integrated tow hooks, removable bumper end caps, removable Rigid LED fog lights, Rigid off-road driving lights, a heavy-duty bash plate and skid plates.

The Raptor can tow 2041kg in Tow/Haul mode, a claimed 454kg improvement from the standard model.

“It’s our ultimate vehicle for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who demand something more,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance Chief Engineer.

“Like the Ultra4 desert race trucks, the ‘Raptor of SUVs’ conquers desert dunes at highway speeds and is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware.”

Inside, the Bronco Raptor features a 12-inch digital driver display with voice recognition, a 360-degree camera, a 10-speaker B&O sound system and adaptive cruise control. Flagship models feature leather and suede seat trims, a ticker-rimmed steering wheel and magnesium shift paddles.

The 2022 Ford Raptor Bronco will go on sale in the U.S in the second quarter of 2022, with order books to open in March. Unfortunately, the Bronco is not yet bound Australian however certain suspension components are expected to appear in the new Ford Ranger Raptor ute.

VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW FORD BRONCO RAPTOR

Source: Ford | Desert-Racing, Rock-Crawling 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Debts as Most Powerful Street-Legal Bronco Ever.

25 January 2022