LAUNCH PAD I & II

It’s a Wrap! Ranger Raptor rocks on with new generation performance pick-up

Ford has found a niche in the performance pick-up truck marketplace with the Raptor. This flagship variant of the Ranger family is much sought after by a broad customer base, both private and commercial - looking for something unique and special, a stand-out and push-on off-roader.

Ranger Raptor in its original offering was an instant statement maker, full of guts and ego, flair and flamboyance. From its wide stance, high ground clearance plus vivid colours and livery, Raptor fulfilled the dreams of many drivers of all ages.

The ongoing success of the Raptor (and the Ranger series) did not lead Ford into complacency as over the past two years or so, design and engineering teams in Australia, the US and Europe got their collective heads down to create its successors, the next generation Ranger and Raptor.

Even though the project had to be undertaken by personnel working from home during COVID lockdowns, it all came together and the first examples of the pre-production models were ready for press evaluation duty at Les Campes off-road centre, near Barcelona, Spain, last month. The driving challenge the organisers put up was extremely tough and rough with the tracks filled with large boulders that had to be tackled by the technology contained within the chassis and four driven wheels, most of which has been remodelled, reshaped and fitted to the new variant.

Generation II Raptor remains true to the original: being muscular, energetic, eager and willing, whatever the task, especially when off-road.

Its new body shape based on the next Ranger model, due next year, benefits from a number of interesting features, such as the new E-Shift gear knob, electronic parking brake and the dedicated on-screen, off-road button controls.

The introduction of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, tuned by Ford Performance, to produce 292PS and 491Nm of torque, is music to the ears of clients looking for a little more oomph. Ford Performance has ensured that this engine block 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.

As proven on the day long test drives, the new anti-lag system works seamlessly, keeping the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, thereby allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. And all while working in harmony with the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. “The 3.0-litre engine brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast. The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leave you grinning from ear-to-ear,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for Ranger Raptor.

There is no doubt the sound of the V6 will get hearts beating faster and to enhance this feeling further the Ford Performance team have created four selectable modes, namely:

n Quiet – prioritises quietness over performance n Normal – intended for everyday use, not being too loud for street use. n Sport – offers a louder and more dynamic note n Baja – the most striking exhaust note in both volume and tone. Intended for off-road use only.

European buyers 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.

Although the existing Raptor has a unique chassis frame and suspension compared to other Ranger variants, for new Raptor a series of specific modifi-

cations have been made to the chassis frame and suspension, having learned from the original version, to ensure this ultra-tough pickup can handle even more extreme off-road conditions.

“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,” added Dave.

Linked to Ranger Raptor’s revised selectable drive modes, is the so-called Live Valve internal bypass system, which has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed. To provide protection against severe bottom-outs, race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25 percent of shock travel. It helps to ensure Ranger Raptor stays planted on both the road and track.

Ranger Raptor’s ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with even more underbody protection, with the front bash plate, made from 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel, almost double the size of the standard Ranger’s unit. Combined with the engine under-guard and transfer case shield, key components such as the radiator, steering system, front cross-member, engine sump and front differential are protected.

New Ranger Raptor now benefits from an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. Both front and rear locking differentials are offered also. Enabling 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 off-road oriented Baja mode. Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument panel and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode:

ON-ROAD

n Normal – designed for everyday use, comfort and fuel efficiency n Sport – more responsive on-road driving, faster up shift n Slippery – for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces, reduces fuel spin

OFF-ROAD

n Rock crawl – for softer acceleration at low speed driving over extreme rocky and uneven terrain n Sand – for slicker gear changes and better power delivery to progress (in snow) n Mud/Ruts – tuned for maximum grip during launch and maintaining momentum n Baja – most aggressive, setting all systems to max attack for high-speed off-road performance

Another interesting feature is the inclusion of Trail Control, which is like cruise control for off-roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h, down as low as 1 km/h, and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking.

Inside, the performance theme continues with all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering. Passengers will also take to the latest digital technology, like the 12.4-inch all-digital panel with its 12-inch touchscreen featuring Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system engaging wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. They will also be impressed with the 10-speaker B&O surround sound system.

“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the

all-new Ranger Raptor. It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made,” added Dave.

Just two thoughts arose while on board the new Raptor. Firstly that it would be great to drive it off road in muddy, wet (Irish) conditions - suppose that’s a job for another day, back home. Also noted was that while using the new E-Shift (with my right hand) worked well in a left hand drive vehicle, it will be interesting to see how intuitive it will be when driving the right hand drive versions. That said, if there was a change from the P (park) slot in the gear change pattern to a simple P button, it would be more efficient.

New Ranger Raptor customers will be pleased to hear that production is already underway in Thailand with first deliveries happening in some European countries currently.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

SPEC CHECK

make/model: Ford Ranger Raptor Gen II Double cab pick-up Engine: 3.0-litre twin turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol Power: 292PS Torque: 491 Nm Transmission: 10-speed automatic, full-time 4WD Suspension: Long travel Fox 2.5” Live shocks Gross payload: 652kg max trailer weight: 2,500kg wheels: 17” alloys

Next Edition Volkswagen Amarok - High Tech - High Spec #NoMatterWhat

When the original Amarok arrived on the scene in 2010, this one-tonne pick-up opened up a new customer base for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) in what was an expanding marketplace. Over 830,000 purchasers, in fact, all around the globe. Back then the inaugural model was described as ‘the most modern, most fuel efficient, open-back off-roader in the market’. And it was duly honoured by winning the first ever International Pick-up Award (IPUA) for 2010, after successfully coming out on top from a series of multi-brand test trials at Mondello Park. It was merited back then by the awarding jury for its SUV-like handling, rugged appearance and prowess off-road.

When the revised edition was launched in 2016, it included a range-topping 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. Soon after the IPUA 2018 trophy was heading to the VWCV HQ in Hannover.

Now 5 years later, an all-new version has been developed, this time around as a co-design, co-production collaboration project with Ford Motor Company.

According to Peter Sulc, Product Manager, Amarok, this next step took four years’ of work, with input from design studios and engineering departments in Germany, Australia and South Africa (where the Amarok is made alongside the new Ranger at Ford’s factory in Pretoria).

Although using the body shell, chassis and drivetrain from the new Ford Ranger, VWCV’s Chief Designer, Albert Kissinger and his team have uniquely restyled the pick-up’s front, sides, rear and exterior to give it the distinctive Volkswagen family ‘look’. Albert is pleased with the outcome as the new Amarok “is more expressive, more elegant and more powerful”. Being more ‘curved’ than the previous model, these new design lines deceive the eyes in that the new model is 96 mm longer at 5,350 mm, and its wheelbase is extended by 137 mm to 3,270 mm for the double-cab variant, ensuring more load volume and additional rear leg room for passengers.

For European markets, the new Amarok will offer a choice of three TDI diesel and one petrol TSI engines. The diesels include 2 four cylinder versions - a 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 4-cylinder, with 6-speed gearbox and 4MOTION 4WD, and a 2.0-litre 205PS/500Nm bi-Turbo 4-cylinder unit which comes with the addition of a 10-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping diesel will be the 3.0-litre TDI 250 PS/600Nm V6, with the 10-speed auto gearbox, while the petrol powered option is a 2.3-litre TSI providing 302PS/452Nm.

A number of trim levels are specified, from the base Amarok, to Life, Style, Pan-American and Aventura specs, the latter two variants packed with off-road technology and exclusive premium comfort and safety fittings. With over 25 safety systems available (20 of which

available to Amarok, and new to pick-ups in general), this latest model ensures driver and passenger safety, whether on or off-road.

Present Amarok customers and drivers have appreciated its solidness, toughness and reliability. New Amarok has managed to keep all these traits, plus the VWCV feel, but with a more sophisticated and yet smoother driveline.

For the international media drives, VWCV decided on South Africa, with Cape Town as the central location for both the on road drives and off-road 4x4 experience. On board the 3.0-litre V6 Aventura Amarok Mark II, we found that it excelled under all circumstances. The smoothness of the powertrain and driveline out in the open road all around the Somerset region was most pleasing, while over the technical, hard gravelly off-road terrain at the Eglin Granbouw Country Club in the Western Cape, the Amarok proved equally competent, never flinching over the hills and down the vales passed through. Mostly during this part of the journey, the 4 Low gear was engaged, with the differential lock and hill descent modes utilised when required.

There are 6 driving modes to choose from in total. Depending on the surface, a driver can select between Eco, Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sands, Slippery and Load/ trailer.

The next day proved to be a dream sightseeing tour in the Pan American, taking in venues and locations such as the Cape Point Vineyards and the Dunes Beach Restaurant, driving the stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive while skirting the Atlantic along the way. Made all the more memorable by the superbly built and specified new Amarok.

Mentioning spec, the long list includes technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assist, the ‘IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights’ and Lane Assist Pro with adaptive lane guidance. Other systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, 360 degree area view, swerve assist, auto hold, park assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display which uses the front camera to recognise road signs related to speed and overtaking and displays them on the instrument panel. On our drives we noted that this circular indicator icon display on the lower section of the touch screen is too small, needing the driver to stretch from the normal driving position to see it. It seems to be more conveniently positioned for left hand drive versions. Driven were two models from the top end of the range, the Amarok Aventura, and the flagship Pan Americana version. On their exteriors, each comes with their own styling characteristics, both inside and out. Amarok PanAmericana gains added elegance in the interior from ‘Cricket’ leather, and multi-adjustable heated front seats, while the instrument panel is upholstered in soft-touch faux leather. To further add to the ambiance, the roof liner is black instead of grey, the sound system is from Harman Kardon with eight loudspeakers, and ambient lighting is standard. Last but not least, the renowned VWCV 4MOTION all-wheel drive system in the PanAmericana comes with a rear differential lock and an additional off-road cruise control system.

The Amarok Aventura’s spec level is also particularly exclusive. Like the PanAmericana, the Aventura too is equipped with ‘IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights’ and LED rear lights. It also shares with the PanAmericana the X-design front bumper – here, however, painted in ‘Light Grey Metallic’. The Aventura also differentiates itself from all other versions via chrome-trimmed wing

mirror covers and door handles, a sports bar painted in the vehicle body colour and chrome trim strips in the step treads.

Aventura is also covered in a soft-touch faux leather and decorative stitching provides an additional elegant contrast. For the seats and door inserts, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles uses in this case elegant ‘Savona’ leather.

Undoubtedly the new chassis with its longer wheelbase in this second coming of the Amarok has improved an already steady pick-up. Knowing that many owners regretted the early demise of the existing model due to the changes at the Hannover factory and the formation of the collaboration project, they will be eagerly anticipating this new model. And it’s fair to say that the wait was worth it as the additional time was used with great purpose and result.

Expect to see first deliveries in Ireland next Spring.