Yahoo Autos 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor Spied with Left-Hook Steering
What It Is: Proof that Ford will offer the Ranger Raptor in left-hand-drive markets. The off-road-ready pickup was formally unveiled earlier this year in Thailand as a right-hand-drive model, representative of the truck Ford will sell in Asia-Pacific markets. Nevertheless, it’s expected that the Ranger Raptor will be sold in a number of other markets, including the U.S., that need the wheel on the other side. This is our best look yet at that truck. Unsurprisingly, the left-hand-drive Ranger Raptor mirrors that of its right-hand-drive twin. Flared fenders, ample ground clearance, chunky tires, and a distinct F-150 Raptor–style grille give the truck an off-road-ready appearance that matches its go-anywhere persona.
Why It Matters: Between the excitement surrounding the return of the Ford Ranger to the U.S. market and the rabid fan base for the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor is sure to attract its fair share of attention. Given today’s truck-loving buyers, we suspect Ford will have no trouble moving every Ranger Raptor it builds. Additionally, the model is sure to drive folks into Ford showrooms and assist in the sales of non-Raptorized Rangers.
Platform: The Ranger Raptor will share its underpinnings with the standard Ranger. However, Ford will make myriad improvements to the truck to ensure its off-road prowess. A long-travel suspension setup with Fox internal-bypass dampers is a given, as are a wider track and additional ground clearance.
Powertrain: While Asia-Pacific Ranger Raptors will be motivated by a diesel-drinking twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 200 horsepower-which seems to be the engine in the truck featured here-the U.S.-spec Ranger Raptor is expected to ditch the diesel for a one of Ford’s gasoline V-6 engines. We’d put our money on the Blue Oval’s twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 to find its way under the truck’s hood. The engine makes 325 horses in the bigger F-150 and 335 in the 2019 Edge ST, and we expect it to put up similar numbers in the Ranger Raptor.
Competition: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Estimated Arrival and Price: Plan on spending at least $45,000 for the Ranger Raptor when it goes on sale sometime in 2020 as a 2021 model.
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