Ford has confirmed a Ranger Raptor is under development, scheduled to be released in Australia in 2018.

Details are scarce at this early stage with Ford Australia remaining tight-lipped on any specifics, however the Ranger Raptor will form part of the Ford Performance family, which encompasses everything from the Fiesta ST hot hatch to the GT supercar.

Using the popular US F150 Raptor as a guide, expect the Ranger Raptor to feature more aggressive bodywork, suspension and brake upgrades and a boost in power.

Ford Ranger Raptor jump

Much more likely is a powered-up version of the Ranger’s current 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel. The 169kW/564Nm offered by the Tickford-tuned Ford Ranger gives some hint as to some possible outputs.

The ultimate Ranger is coming in 2018. #RangerRaptor pic.twitter.com/Kc0FqVzNvN— Ford Australia (@FordAustralia) September 7, 2017

Whether the Ranger Raptor is able to deliver “an adrenaline-pumping experience” as Ford claims remains to be seen, however what is true is that this new Blue Oval ute “will create a class of its own among off-road performance vehicles”.

Full-size ute sales are currently booming in Australia, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger occupying first and second respectively on the 2017 sales charts (combined 4×4 and 4×2).

Ford Ranger Raptor drift

We’ll bring you more details on the Ford Ranger Raptor as soon as we have them.