Gasoline-powered Ford Ranger Raptor with V6 engine unveiled at 9th PIMS

Eager spectators take part of the action as Ford Philippines presents its grand display during Day One of the 9th Philippine International Motor Show being held at World Trade Center in Pasay City. At its centerpiece is the newly-launched gasoline-powered Ford Ranger Raptor equipped with a 3.0-L V6 Twin-Turbo EcoBoost Engine with 10-speed automatic transmission. – CONTRIBUTED

In this day and age that the trend is about hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles (EVs), Ford, for its newest offering in the market, is heading the opposite direction.

Usually, pickups are run by a diesel-powered engine. But the American carmaker at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center had another thing in mind. Say hello to the gasoline-powered Ford Ranger Raptor with a 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo EcoBoost Engine with 10-speed automatic transmission. Mind you, this delivers a whopping punch of 396 hp and 583 N-m max of torque.

This time, it’s designed to be more powerful and more capable as it is engineered by its top-of-the-line Ford Performance.

“We are so excited to be finally launching the new Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 in the Philippines,” said Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines.

“This product is a testament to our commitment of listening to our customers, especially off-road enthusiasts, who told us they want more power and capability in their Raptor. We look forward to the continued success of the Raptor brand in the country with the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 designed to take off-road driving to the next level.”

Finally, after much customer demand, the gasoline-powered Ford Ranger Raptor arrives and enthusiasts can’t help but rave about it.

The dedicated and hardworking team behind one of the brightest booth displays at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show is all smiles after accomplishing a tiresome, yet fulfilling day.

Powered by a notch higher

It is said that this Raptor is equipped with the anti-lag system, designed to keep the turbos spinning for up to three seconds allowing for faster resumption. Here, the powertrain features a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75 percent stronger and up to 75 percent stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, ensuring more oomph when exactly needed. This makes more than enough reason for enthusiasts to be blissful about.

Plus, it likewise has various modes that make it easily adjust on any terrain.

Ford Philippines executives, led by its managing director, Mike Breen, present the newest Ford Ranger Raptor.

These modes are the following.

MyMode “R” button allows drivers to personalize everything from steering to suspension, exhaust mode, or engine auto stop/start activation and many more.

For one, exhaust modes have the Quiet, which is an option for a smooth and calm drive; Normal, for everyday use; Sport, which obviously is for a more aggressive take on the roads, and Baja, when one would opt to take it to the extreme.

Another is its steering mode. There is the Normal mode, which again, is for everyday use; the sport mode for a more spirited driving; the comfort mode to take things a notch lower; and off-road, which is used for the off-beaten path.

Gears for the extreme

Suspension upgrades include the new FOX Live Valve dampers, which adapts in real time to enable control while absorbing the rough and bigger ruts.

Moreover, it has the FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with cutting-edge control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever on the Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon™-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to those Raptor of old. Aside from these, it has been tuned to its optimum. It’s basically a whole ecosystem built for exceptional off-road performance.

Designed for the rough and tough

Exterior-wise, accentuating its robustness and heft are its flared wheel arches, Ford truck DNA C-clamp headlights, bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, and the bumper that’s separated from the grille.

The Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights push lighting performance to new levels, featuring dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic leveling.

Adding to its oozing machismo are muscular 17-inch wheel designs each wrapped in BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO2® tires.

Also, functional vents, aero features, and tough, new design composite off-road side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad that is tucked up high to aid the truck’s departure angle.

Inside, this “manliness” spills over. The cabin features jet fighter-inspired sports seats – both in the front and rear – that are not only more comfortable but more supportive during high-speed cornering. The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are enhanced by Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium grade leather sports steering wheel with thumb swells, on-center marking and cast magnesium paddle shifters complete the picture.

This beast boasts a fully digital cabin, with high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch center touchscreen boasting Ford’s SYNC® 4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity. A premium Bang & Olufsen® with 10-speaker sound system and subwoofer provides the entertainment suited for any adventure.

This behemoth is priced at P2,739,000 with a five-year warranty. It is available in Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Command Grey and Code Orange, and will be sold in a limited quantity of 300 units at the launch.