Ford spotted testing 2023 Ranger Raptor in the US

Remember when Ford released a teaser video of a mysterious model due to be launched in February?

After launching the all-new Ranger last November, Ford sneaked a QR code towards the end of the live-stream launch. Scan the code, and it takes you to a hidden website that plays a teaser video. While no vehicle was shown, viewers did hear a thunderous exhaust note, along with the February launch date. Supposedly, this is the upcoming Ranger Raptor’s exhaust note.

Fast forward to the present, and new spy photos of the next-generation Ranger Raptor have made their way to the internet. Unlike the first spy photos we saw last November, the prototype vehicle was recently sighted over in the US. This comes as a surprise as previous prototype versions were initially spotted only in Australia and Thailand. This could mean that the Ranger Raptor will be making its way across the Pacific once it's fully revealed.

The pick-up truck also loses more camouflage, giving us a better look at its exterior design. Based on the pictures, the Ranger Raptor looks beefier and more rugged than the regular models. It gets a front skid plate, a new front bumper design, and what appears to be a special grille unique only to the Raptor version. Other notable features present include a taller ride height, all-terrain tires with larger alloy wheels, and more muscular wheel arches.

Similar to before, we also noticed that the pick-up has dual exhausts at the back. This somewhat confirms that the all-new Ranger Raptor will get a new twin-turbo V6 powerplant under the hood. Should this be true, the Ranger Raptor could come with either a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 derived from the F-150 and Bronco or a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 borrowed from the Explorer ST. The 2.7-liter mill generates 310 PS with 542 Nm of torque, while the slightly bigger 3.0-liter engine makes more power at 405 PS and 562 Nm of torque.

Does this mean the 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel will no longer be offered? It’s possible. At the same time, however, Ford could offer different engine options for the Ranger Raptor, depending on the market.

With its debut set for next month, we are hoping Ford will launch the all-new Ranger Raptor in early February.

Source: Carsales Australia