2018 Ford Ranger Raptor spied in the wild

A BEEFED up next-gen Ford Ranger has been spied testing in the US, reigniting scuttlebutt about a high performance Raptor variant.

The next Ford Ranger due in 2019 is being designed and engineered atop the T7 platform in Australia, and will be sold in the US for the first time. This widebody test vehicle was spotted in Michigan.

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Sporting beefier rubber, flared bodywork, and more camouflage than a Special Forces unit, the vehicle has all the hallmarks of a Ford Ranger Raptor mule.

Further giving away the game is a taller ride height, Raptor-style wheels and what appears to be a more aggressive front bumper.

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Ford Australia has toyed with the idea of a Ranger Raptor before, as a range-topping model to inject a bit of America’s favourite son, the F-150 Raptor, into its local line-up.

Ford applied to trademark the names ‘Ford Ranger Raptor’ and ‘Ranger Raptor’ in Australia last year, and rumours of the hardcore dual cab have circulated for a while now.

Engine details for a potential new model remain speculative. Under the bonnet of the test mule could be the 2.7-litre V6 Ecoboost turbo petrol engine paired with a 10-speed auto that was developed in conjunction with GM.

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The same setup is available in a ‘standard’ F-150 in America. If that is the case, expect north of 242kW and 508Nm for a Raptor-badged variant.

The Wildtrak is the current Ranger flagship Down Under, and is powered by a 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel. Diesel is unpopular in the United States, meaning a performance petrol engine is more likely.

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The yet-to-be-released Ford Bronco will share the same architecture in the US market, along with the next-generation Everest to be sold here.

The Ranger is one of the best-selling vehicles in Australia, battling with the Toyota Hilux for sales supremacy. The most expensive Wildtrak variant makes up a significant portion of all Rangers sold.