Ford just released the version of its Bronco off-roader we’ve all been waiting for, the new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, which arrives as the second Ford product in North America to wear the Raptor badge.
Ford says its new Bronco Raptor was “designed for desert racing and rock climbing” but the reality is that the third goal of creating the Bronco Raptor is to raise the bar against the Jeep Wrangler and reign alone as the ultimate American off-roader until Jeep produces a competitor.
Created by Ford Performance, the same team that produced the F-150 Raptor, the Bronco Raptor is the “most powerful road-legal Bronco in history and the world’s first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV.” The truth is that at a glance it is clear that this is not a regular Bronco since it is almost 10 inches (25.4 cm) wider than the regular Bronco and considerably taller. But the new Bronco Raptor is more than dimensions, let’s meet her.
Structure and cushioning
The Bronco Raptor is structurally stronger than the regular version. Raptor features a model-exclusive high-strength steel frame with new shock towers that increase wheel travel and off-road durability as well as skid plates that provide continuous driveline protection from the bumper front to rear of engine, transmission, and transfer case. While on the upper body, the B-pillar crossbar and C-pillar bracing help deliver a more than 50% total torsional rigidity increase in the main body compared to the standard Bronco four-door.
The Raptor also features competition-grade Ford Performance-developed axles that increase track width by 8.6 inches for added stability, while its ground clearance of 13.1 inches (33.27 cm) is 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) greater than that of a standard four-door Bronco.
Its exclusive 4×4 system includes a higher-capacity clutch designed to withstand the demands of desert racing, and an upgraded transfer case. Ford Performance collaborated with FOX to create a position-sensitive damping system similar to that of the F-150 Raptor with FOX 3.1 semi-active internal-bypass dampers and height sensors that independently monitor ground conditions hundreds of times per second and constantly adjusting the suspension.
Following
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Motor
Ford Performance fine-tuned the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with specific tune-ups to exceed 400 horsepower (Ford didn’t give a final power figure), and fitted it with intercooling and air-induction systems designed to withstand the temperatures. highest in the desert. Featuring a compact graphite iron block for weight savings and durability, the engine is matched to a model-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, while a true dual exhaust system allows drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco. Raptor with four selectable exhaust modes including Normal, Sport, Quiet and Low.
The Ford Bronco Raptor features seven driving modes, including a Baja mode that activates a calibration that maximizes performance in high-speed desert racing by activating an anti-lag turbocharger mode, and is capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds. 1,000 pounds more than the regular model.
raptor style
The Bronco Raptor is immediately distinguishable because its grille reads Ford and not Bronco like the rest of the models in the line. Its model-exclusive LED headlights are distinguished by their amber daytime running lights and integrated amber low beams. Its modular steel front bumper features tow hooks, and its end caps are removable to improve clearance, as are its integrated hardtail LED fog lights.
The Bronco Raptor body features unique front and rear quarter panels, fenders and door appliqués, and specific rails with removable running boards. To make it unmistakable, Ford created an optional graphics package and created a unique color palette for the model.
Cabin
“The interior of the Bronco Raptor was designed around what we know off-road racers want in a vehicle,” said Ryan Olsson, Head of Model Design. “From the all-new performance view in the group and unique steering wheel with paddle shifters and fingertip access to Raptor-specific controls, to its high-bolster front seats, Bronco Raptor leaves the factory ready to race. ”.
Base Bronco Raptor models are equipped with black marine-grade vinyl seats and rubber floors for easy washing. The interior is accented in an orange color exclusive to Ford Performance Products called Code Orange, seen on the mesh on the doors, stitching on the steering wheel and the Bronco logo on the instrument panel, and even the power button . Touchpoints like the grab handles, steering wheel bezel and shift knob sport low-gloss carbon fiber accents.
The Ford Performance-designed front seats are exclusive to the Bronco Raptor, and feature foam side bolsters, along with Orange Code seat belts, to keep passengers in place when the going gets nasty.
Bronco Raptor comes standard with an equipment package that includes the SYNC4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, information panel and voice recognition. Other available tech features include an exterior camera with 360-degree viewing capability, and a Lux package with a 10-speaker B&O audio system and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Bronco Raptor has a starting price of $69,995. The manufacturer will begin taking orders in March with existing reservation holders having priority to purchase it. The first units will begin to be distributed in the summer.
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