Let's start this off by saying, this bad ass new Ranger Raptor is not coming to the U.S. just yet. It's heartbreaking, but now you know. Let's go over what we're missing out on.
The new "Regular" Ranger debuted this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and the baby F-150 Raptor or Ranger Raptor just debuted in Bangkok, Thailand. To sum it up, it really does look just like smaller F-150 Raptor. Up front, you immediately notice a pair of fat fenders and the F-150 Raptor's grill. The steel front bumper has LED fog lights and two openings with a pair of tow hooks placed inside.
Out in back, you get two Raptor logos on each rear fender and the tailgate. There are two more tow hooks back there, and it doesn't look like the bed capacity has changed from the normal Ranger.
The interior looks similar to the non-Raptor version but Ford has added a strip to the middle of the steering wheel, so you always know its top position. The seats have more aggressive bolsters and cushions and a faux suede finish.
What really makes this truck worthy of the Raptor name are the modifications done to the suspension, brakes, wheels, engine, and transmission. Both front and rear shocks are made by Fox Racing Shox and feature 46.6mm pistons. The solid rear axle is suspended with coilovers and a watts link setup, and the upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum. The Raptor Ranger is equipped with larger brakes, and sports new 17-inch wheels wrapped in beefy BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tires.
Under the hood rests a 2.0 twin-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine making 210 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 10-speed automatic which is likely the same 10-speed in the F-150 Raptor.
It's a bit of a mystery why Ford won't sell the Raptor Ranger here considering our love for the full-size version. Someone start a petition!!