Raptor claws grasp high-end pickup market

[rooster59]

Raptor claws grasp high-end pickup market

By Kingsley Wijayasinha 
The Nation

 

 

Pricey truck earns its status with impressive engineering, offers race-ready cross-country design

 

The mighty Ford Ranger Raptor is definitely the most talked about pickup truck in Thailand this year.

 

I said “mighty” because the Raptor, priced at Bt1.699 million, is also currently the most expensive pickup made and sold in Thailand, and probably the best one too.

 

Development of the Ranger Raptor was approved by Ford executives after the tremendous success the American automaker had with its F-150 Raptor pickup truck sold in the United States. Other major automakers, including Toyota and Isuzu, lack interest in the small upper-end pickup market as they already own the major share in this extremely competitive segment.

 

While the Japanese offer special models that come with cool features and add-ons (such as the Hilux Revo Rocco), there’s not much to boast about their engineering. The Raptor, on the other hand, gets big tweaks and upgrades, turning it into a race-ready cross-country vehicle.

 

Everyone who has driven the Raptor agrees that it is the top pickup model ever produced in this country, but is it really worth the money? Well, that depends.

 

Some argue that you would spend less money customising a standard Ranger into something like the Raptor with matching performance. That might be true, but then you would lose the warranty.

 

Meanwhile, the Raptor may appear pricey, but the truck comes with a full warranty from Ford. And that’s something that would benefit the customer, despite Ford’s poor image in terms of warranty claims.

 

On Friday, Ford Sales and Service Thailand Co Ltd was ordered by the Thai court to pay compensation to 296 Fiesta and Focus customers, ranging from Bt15,000 to Bt240,000 per person, for the faulty Powershift transmission. The total amount is over Bt24.7 million. This follows the AUS $10 million fine slapped on Ford in Australia earlier this year for “unconscionable conduct” in the way it treated customers for the same Powershift gearbox case. Over 10,000 customers were affected in Australia.

 

Nevertheless, future problems are not something one can predict, and let’s hope that the Raptor doesn’t fall into the same pattern. I do hope so, as the four-day encounter with the Raptor turned out to be a highly positive experience.

 

No, I didn’t take it to a cross-country track and perform jumps and slides like those who went to the Raptor test-drive events in Australia and Thailand. Instead, I just used it like an ordinary truck in Bangkok in everyday driving.

 

The first thing that I loved about the Raptor was its presence on the road. It is wider than a standard Ranger and gets the large “FORD” logo on the front grille. The fenders are also much wider with larger wheel arches, instantly giving it a cross-country racer look, especially with those matching all-terrain tires. The side step rails on both sides have holes that allow sand and dirt to travel through, so no dirt build-up when going cross-country.

 

There’s a 2.3mm bash plate under the engine, while the bumpers have been redesigned to provide a better approach and departure angle. The track is wider than the standard version.

 

Towards the rear end, there are also special decals to enhance the sporty character of the Raptor and distinguish it from the other Ranger models (like the Wild Trak).

 

The interior also gets special treatment. The truck I borrowed from distributor Ford Thailand came with sporty seats with Alcantara leather, blue stitching and the latest FORD SYNC 3 infotainment system. There’s also a special Raptor multifunctional steering wheel and sports instrument panel.

 

The Raptor is powered by a new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine that’s also offered in the Ranger. Maximum power and torque is claimed at 213hp and 500Nm.

 

Apart from the wider track and increased ride height, Raptor also gets upgraded suspension components including FOX shock absorbers to improve ride and handling. The Watts link rear set-up also contributes to improved cornering performance. There’s just a slight hint that this is a pickup suspension, not an SUV, when going over deep potholes or speed bumps.

 

There’s also a Terrain Management System (TMS) that offers six driving modes, including the BAJA cross-country mode. There are two recovery hooks up front, and disc brakes all-round.

 

I loved the suspension set-up of the Raptor – you can easily feel the difference in terms of ride quality over the standard model. However, I felt that the all-terrain tires on the 17-inch rims are more suited to slippery gravel roads rather than smooth highways. There’s more noise from the tires when driven on smooth roads, and at high speeds it starts to feel jiggly compared to normal road tires.

 

That’s the only thing I didn’t fancy in the Raptor, which means that it’s near perfect. While the price may be high for a pickup truck, there are plenty of people who are willing to place an order for the Raptor as there is no competition in the market.

 

Ford Ranger Raptor specs

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve bi-turbo diesel

Displacement: 1,996cc

Bore and stroke: 84x90mm

Compression ratio: 16.0:1

Max power: 213ps/3,750rpm

Max torque: 500Nm/1,750-2,000rpm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Ratios: 4.696/2.985/2.146/1.769/1.520/1.275/1.000/0.854/0.689/0.636

Final drive ratio: 3.73

0-100kmh: 10.5 secs

Top speed: 170

Average fuel economy: 12.1 km/litre

Average CO2: 212 g/km

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut/Watts Link

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 12.9 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/vented disc

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,398

Width: 2,028

Height: 1,873

Wheelbase: 3,220

Track (f/r): 1,710/1,710

Ground clearance: 283

Approach angle: 32.5 degrees

Brakeover angle: 24 degrees

Departure angle: 24 degrees

Weight: 2,324 kgs

Wheels: 17-in alloys

Tires: 285/70 (all-terrain)

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres

 

Price: Bt1.699 million

 

Distributor: Ford Thailand Co Ltd

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Auto_ADO/30354934

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-22

[George Bowman]

9 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

There’s a 2.3mm bash plate under the engine

I'm guessing that in the near future, there will be a need for additional bash plates...

 

[kannot]

how many people actually "need" this, its  all about  look at me and  "I was  stupid enough to buy this unnecessary vehicle".

[thequietman]

38 minutes ago, kannot said:

how many people actually "need" this, its  all about  look at me and  "I was  stupid enough to buy this unnecessary vehicle".

So .... yeh can't afford it, eh?    ?

[transam]

If we are going to talk "Top End" pickups it looks like Mercs offering will trounce the Raptor at the stop light drags and a long straight road..Now that would be a bit embarrassing for me..?

[sweatalot]

41 minutes ago, kannot said:

how many people actually "need" this, its  all about  look at me and  "I was  stupid enough to buy this unnecessary vehicle".

how many people actually "need" a car at all?

 

I'd like the raptor because it seems to be fun driving - and as a pickup useful, too. And I don't care how others would judge me.

[PatOngo]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

priced at Bt1.699 million

A loan sharks dream, every one will want one.

[fakename]

Wow, a racing pick up!! The more useless something is, the more people want it!

[fakename]

My D... is bigger than yours!

[Esso49]

The article mentions "Race Ready" and further on the spe states Top Speed 170 Km,   0 - 100 KMH of 10.5 secs and with only 500 NM of torque.   Not sure which race it is ready for but will sure be a pretty boring one

[DILLIGAD]

The article mentions "Race Ready" and further on the spe states Top Speed 170 Km,   0 - 100 KMH of 10.5 secs and with only 500 NM of torque.   Not sure which race it is ready for but will sure be a pretty boring one

The ‘keeping up with the Somchai’s’ race, maybe

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[transam]

46 minutes ago, fakename said:

Wow, a racing pick up!! The more useless something is, the more people want it!

I think it is not a "racing" pickup, it is designed to be an off road other pickup beater.. The Merc offering will trounce it on the black top...

[HAKAPALITA]

The Fortuna is the most expensive pock up.A Roofed Revo.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[fredob43]

4 minutes ago, HAKAPALITA said:

The Fortuna is the most expensive pock up.A Roofed Revo.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

No it's not. If you are going to continue to put stupid post in at least get your facts correct.

[HAKAPALITA]

Sorry a Vigo then.

[transam]

10 minutes ago, HAKAPALITA said:

The Fortuna is the most expensive pock up.A Roofed Revo.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

Are you still trying to bait...?  ?

[DavisH]

2 hours ago, transam said:

If we are going to talk "Top End" pickups it looks like Mercs offering will trounce the Raptor at the stop light drags and a long straight road..Now that would be a bit embarrassing for me..?

Will it have the Navara engine or something else?

[HAKAPALITA]

1 minute ago, transam said:

Are you still trying to bait...?  ?

You too sharp to bait.! Well spotted.?

[transam]

Just now, DavisH said:

Will it have the Navara engine or something else?

The cheaper ones do but the "High end" one has a Merc V6 diesel,  ?

[transam]

4 minutes ago, HAKAPALITA said:

You too sharp to bait.! Well spotted.?

My tool shed may question that...?

[fredob43]

2 hours ago, HAKAPALITA said:

Sorry a Vigo then.

Still incorrect. I would like to ask why do you put off topic childish rubbish post on TV. Do you think your cleaver???

It might interest you to know that people take the pee out of you all the time. Thought I would point that out as you don't seem to grasp it.

[HAKAPALITA]

1 minute ago, fredob43 said:

Still incorrect. I would like to ask why do you put off topic childish rubbish post on TV. Do you think your cleaver???

It might interest you to know that people take the pee out of you all the time. Thought I would point that out as you don't seem to grasp it.

Incorrect,to most normal folks here its a jumped up truck.Nothing wrong with that.Not my fault delusionals think its a Range Rover or Jeep that are ground up designs.Bit thin skinned about a bit o fun Brian.!

[Deli]

2000 cc / 170 hp = underpowered for this size and purpose. Rubbish to me.

I suggest a V 8 / 5,7 liter or more and a blower for  torque.

[thequietman]

5 hours ago, fakename said:

My D... is bigger than yours!

Pictures, or I am calling BS on this. ?

[NanLaew]

7 hours ago, transam said:

If we are going to talk "Top End" pickups it looks like Mercs offering will trounce the Raptor at the stop light drags and a long straight road..Now that would be a bit embarrassing for me..?

You mean the Nissans that Merc are re-badging?

[HAKAPALITA]

2 hours ago, fredob43 said:

Still incorrect. I would like to ask why do you put off topic childish rubbish post on TV. Do you think your cleaver???

It might interest you to know that people take the pee out of you all the time. Thought I would point that out as you don't seem to grasp it.

Im sharper than a Cleaver.!

[Esso49]

1 hour ago, Deli said:

2000 cc / 170 hp = underpowered for this size and purpose. Rubbish to me.

I suggest a V 8 / 5,7 liter or more and a blower for  torque.

Even the Mercedes-Benz variant of the Navarra is still well underpowered, although the AMG variant slated for 2020, but maybe never come to Thailand officially, is anticipated to have a decent 3.5 straight 6 with around 420  HP at the wheels.

[Esso49]

3 minutes ago, HAKAPALITA said:

Im sharper than a Cleaver.!

Lets leave your chopper out of this and keep it clean,  ?

[Esso49]

5 hours ago, DavisH said:

Will it have the Navara engine or something else?

258 HP V6 diesel, 0-100 KPH in 7.2 secs is available in Europe or the standard 190 HP. Both diesels. but as I said in post 18 wait for the AMG and should see with 420 HP a more respectable 6.5 secs.  Just hope they re-design the dynamics so it can actually corner safely at speed without having to drop the 200 Kg of cement bags in the back  !!

Edited September 22, 2018 by Esso49

[NanLaew]

5 hours ago, transam said:

I think it is not a "racing" pickup, it is designed to be an off road other pickup beater.. The Merc offering will trounce it on the black top...

Like me in my bog-standard, 4 year-old 3.2 Ranger PX that trounced Somchai's late-model, chipped, low-rider Chevy pickup when he thought he could beat me to the next set of traffic lights coming back from the morning school run? 0-160 in about 1000 m. And that's the same donger that's in Transit vans. The new Raptor has that bi-turbo thingmie going on too.

 

We'll need to see what enhancements Merc does on the Nissan first... or is it the other way round?