This is not the first time we caught a prototype that might be the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor, but it’s the first time we see it with a diesel powertrain. It’s pretty hard to see what’s coming due to really heavy camouflage here. However, the overall design reminds on a shrunken F-150 Raptor, so we believe it is.
Moreover, the testing vehicle uses Raptor’s 17-inch aluminum wheels and 285/70R-17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA tires, which is a reason more to us to believe the 2019 Ranger Raptor is actually coming. Plus, you can clearly see that the pickup truck mule is lifted higher and uses bigger shocks, while it also sports a bit wider fenders. Even though we can’t confirm right now, we are absolutely positive the car manufacturer prepares a special, Raptor-based suspension, as well as usual skidplates, which will protect the pickup truck from off-road stunts.
Like we said, the spotted Ranger Raptor was using an oil-burner engine. It might be a 3.2-liter engine, which currently powers the Transit. The option develops 185 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque at the moment, but it needs to do better if Ford wants to outmatch the Colorado ZR2 which offers 186 horsepower and 369 from its oil-burner.
The 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor won’t rely on the diesel only of course. Blue Oval smallest truck will also get a capable gasoline mill, but not the twin-turbo 3.5l as the bigger brother. No, the carmaker will almost definitely add a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 offering 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the unit will be connected to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Although we managed to catch prototypes of the 2019 Ranger Raptor two times, it’s quite clear that the high-performance off-roader won’t arrive first. No, the first will be the regular small truck which will attack Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Toyota’s Tacoma, while the small Raptor is coming shortly after that to fight against the amazing Colorado ZR2 and popular Tacoma TRD Pro.
