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All the latest developments and new launches from the world of vans & pick-ups
ALL-NEW FORD RANGER RAPTOR SPEARHEADS LAUNCH OF EUROPE’S MARKET-LEADING PICKUP
The all-new, next-level Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived; it raises the off-road performance bar and embodies the smarter, tougher, more capable character present in every new-generation Ranger.
European Ranger enthusiasts have special reason to celebrate as the all-new Ranger Raptor is the first new Ranger model to reach Europe, with production already well underway and the first customers now receiving their vehicles. Developed by Ford Performance, the allnew Ranger Raptor is described as the ultimate performance derivative of the latest Ford Ranger. With smarter technology controlling tougher, next generation hardware, Ranger Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever. “We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the allnew Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for Ranger Raptor. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.” The biggest news for performance fans is the introduction of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine tuned by Ford Performance to produce 292PSand 491Nm of torque The twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine boasts a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75 per cent stronger and up to 75 per cent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. The new anti-lag system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission’s gears, for optimised performance. “The 3.0-litre engine brings a different
dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast,” Burn said. “The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.” To match this comprehensive performance, an electronically controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine note in four selectable modes enabling Ranger Raptor to adapt its vocal character. Customers also have the option of choosing a 2.0-litre bi turbo diesel engine, which will be available to order in the Ranger Raptor from early 2023 with first deliveries expected in the summer.
UNIQUE CHASSIS FRAME
The all-new Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis frame and suspension compared to other Ranger variants. A series of Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket all combine to ensure the ultra-tough pickup can handle punishing off-road conditions. A high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor needs the running gear to match, so Ford engineers completely redesigned the suspension. All-new tough yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed. “The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance,” Burn said. The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers feature cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted to Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to those on the outgoing vehicle. Linked to Ranger Raptor’s revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve internal bypass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed.
ALL-TERRAIN CONTROL
For the first time, Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with an all new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. The Raptor also now offers both front and rear locking differentials, with the new front differential providing a valuable additional feature for hardcore off-road enthusiasts. “While Ranger Raptor was inspired by desert racers, it’s also a supremely capable overlanding vehicle. Out of the box we’ve created an off-road vehicle that you don’t need to modify to get you where you need to go and back again safely,” Burn said. Helping the all-new Ranger Raptor handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts, plus everything in between, are seven selectable drive modes, including the offroad oriented Baja mode, which configures the vehicle’s electronic systems for ultimate performance during high-speed off roading. “We really wanted Baja mode to be the ultimate expression of the highspeed off road capability,” Burn said. “It’s a feature at the core of what the Ranger Raptor customer expects.” The all-new Ranger Raptor also features Trail Control, which is like cruise control for off roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain. The cabin features all-new, jet fighterinspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering. The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast-magnesium paddle shifters completes the sporty feel. Occupants will also benefit from the latest digital technology; the high tech cabin features a 12.4 inch all-digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen boasting Ford’s new-generation SYNC4A connectivity and entertainment system that delivers wireless AppleCarplay and Android Auto compatibility at no extra cost. A 10-speaker B&O sound system provides the soundtrack to the next adventure.
RENAULT TRUCKS LAUNCHES REINFORCED TRAFIC TO COMBAT VAN BREAK-INS
Tackling one of tradespeople’s top concerns, Renault Trucks has announced the launch of a reinforced Trafic Van to combat theft from van break-ins.
To safeguards tools and other expensive items from theft, the Trafic can now be specified with a Cat 1 alarm, fully lined interior and floor, internal security system and fully sealed steel mesh internal door system with an internal fivepoint locking mechanism fitted to rear and side, with apertures finished off with an external high impact clear Perspex covering. According to research , van theft costs tradespeople £264 million per year and tool theft costs a tradesperson £5,584 on average, each time their van gets broken into. Additionally, a van break-in also puts the average tradesperson out of work for 30 days costing them £5,982 in missed jobs, on top of the cost of replacing tools and materials. Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “For builders, carpenters, plumbers and heating engineers, van breakins and tool theft can seriously impact their business financially. We have designed this vehicle to deter thieves in the first instance, protect valuable content and to offer total peace of mind for our tradespeople who rely on their tools for the continuity of their business. “This is a clear statement of our intent to work with and for our customers, understanding their challenges and coming up with tangible, cost effective and innovative solutions. We are also in discussions with insurance companies to offer a discount for operating vehicles with these additional anti-theft features” Available now on the new Renault Trucks Trafic L1H1, L2H1, and L2H2 Red EDITION and EXCLUSIVE models, the on-board tool safe is flush-mounted into the vehicle, reducing internal space by only 30mm and weighs just 105kg. Produced exclusively for Renault Trucks by PD Stevens & Sons in Market Drayton, it can be colour coded to match vehicle paintwork. This vehicle is part of a suite of special edition Trafic models tailored to the needs of target customers, focused on their business, backed by Renault Trucks’ heavy truck pedigree and understanding.
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