Ford Unveils Off-Road Ranger in Thailand

Ford Motor Co. is adding an off-road performance version of its new Ranger pickup truck.

The 2019 model, dubbed the Ranger Raptor, was unveiled this week in Bangkok. Ford will produce the rugged pickup in Thailand, with sales targeting Asia-Pacific markets. There are no immediate plans for the U.S.

Modeled after the larger F-150 Raptor, the Ranger variant gets a beefier chassis, brakes and suspension designed to allow the truck to navigate rough terrain at high speeds. Ground clearance is upped 20% to 11 inches compared with the standard Ranger.

Teamed with wider bumpers, the added ground clearance gives the Ranger Raptor an approach angle of 32.5°, ramp-over angle of 24° and a departure angle of 24°. Side steps are added with holes to drain sand, snow and mud.

To further boost its off-road bona fides, the truck’s suspension is fitted with front and rear Fox Racing Shox dampers. The new coil-over rear suspension uses a Watt’s link setup with a solid rear axle that minimizes lateral movement. The upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum.

The revised front end includes an updated grille and LED fog lamps with aerodynamic air curtain ducts. Other upgrades include tow hooks and an underbody “bash” plate.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter twin-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine mated with Ford's new 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine kicks out 210 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.