The much-anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor has finally made its debut, and it appears to have lived up to everyone’s expectations, thanks in part to insights gained from the iconic Mustang muscle car.
According to Ford Authority, the engineering team behind the Ranger Raptor leveraged the knowledge and experience gained during the development of the Mustang to enhance the truck’s off-road capabilities. Dr. Neil Lewington, technical specialist and aerodynamics supervisor for Ford Australia, highlighted the impact of small design changes on aerodynamic efficiency.
To optimize the Ranger Raptor’s aerodynamics, the team focused on several key areas. This included creating air curtains around the front and rear wheels to reduce aerodynamic drag, refining the C-pillar treatment to improve airflow above the load box, and shaping the box capping and tailgate spoiler to minimize drag from the wake.
The concept of air curtains was borrowed directly from the Mustang, where engineers discovered how to shape the fog lights to create effective front wheel aero curtains. Additional knowledge from the Mustang program was applied to the front bumper, fog lamp bezels, roof, and C-pillar geometry to further enhance airflow management.
Although the Mustang and Ranger Raptor cater to different clienteles, the principles of aerodynamics remain the same. Engineers recognize that physics does not discriminate based on customer preferences.
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With its potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine generating an impressive 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, it was crucial to maximize the truck’s aerodynamic efficiency.
The decision to equip the Ranger Raptor with the same powerplant as the Bronco Raptor was a logical choice, given that both vehicles ride on the T6 platform.
For those who prefer a slightly tamer version, the “base” trims of the Ranger Raptor offer a 2.3-liter engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine producing 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
All Ranger Raptor variants come with a 10-speed automatic transmission to harness the available power.
By leveraging the aerodynamic insights derived from the Mustang’s development, Ford has optimized the performance and efficiency of the Ranger Raptor, ensuring that it meets the demands of off-road enthusiasts seeking both power and precision.