THIS year, go off the beaten track and explore new boundaries with Ford’s ultimate off-road truck: the brand-new Ranger Raptor.
As one can already tell by its name, Ford’s latest vehicle is a force to be reckoned with as it is equipped with the manufacturer’s powertrain technology. Inside the hood is a 2.0 L bi-turbo diesel engine with 10-speed automatic transmission technology to deliver more power and torque, improve acceleration and make quicker gear changes.
The Ford Ranger is made to take on any kind of terrain—this is made possible with the addition of a state-of-the-art Terrain Management System, which comes with six pre-set driving modes, namely Baja, Sport, Weather, Mud/Sand, Rock Crawl and Normal.
For rough off-road conditions and heavy cargo, the Raptor also comes with an Electronic Stability Program that helps maintain control. This technology features Rollover Mitigation, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control and Load Adaptive Control.
Utilizing high-strength and low-alloy steel for most of its major parts such as the frame, chassis and underbody shield, the Ranger Raptor is designed for utmost durability and increased impact absorption in the event of a collision.
The driver and passengers are also well provided for: a steering wheel with perforated leather hand grips and body-contoured sports seats that include unique Raptor head rests, bolsters and suede inserts for better body grip when driving off-road. The driver can also conveniently view pertinent vehicle information through the instrument panel on a low-glare, high-quality flat screen.
Ford made sure that Raptor was more than just strong and durable, but also strategic in proportions: an elevated design puts 283mm between the vehicle and whatever is in its way; the 850mm water wading capacity for crossing rivers; while its increased height gives the driver a more expansive and unobstructed view of the surroundings.
The Raptor is also equipped with SYNC 3 technology, which one can use to make calls, play music and change the cabin temperature through voice command. The eight-inch touchscreen also has swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures, plus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
In Cebu, Ford’s showroom is located at Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. (Photos from the internet/Ford)