2023 Ford Ranger Raptor takes shape! Huge twin-turbo petrol V6 power set for new Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior rattler

Next month, Ford will reveal the crown jewel in its next-generation Ranger mid-size ute line-up, the Raptor– but we already have a good idea of what to expect from the new performance flagship.

Of course, the ‘T6.2’ Ranger upon which the upcoming Raptor is based was unveiled last November, so it’s well and truly set the table for what comes next. But that’s not to say there isn’t plenty to be excited about, because there is.

Naturally, the big question on most people’s minds is what’s under the bonnet? Well, Ford’s initial video teaser for the next Ranger Raptor was backed by a seemingly petrol soundtrack, which would represent a seismic shift from the current model’s diesel engine.

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Fuel was added to this speculative fire last week, when Ford debuted the related Bronco Raptor large SUV with a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6. Its outputs weren’t quoted at the time, but more than 298kW of power was promised.

Comparatively, the existing Ranger Raptor is motivated by a 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre EcoBlue twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, so the table has been set for its successor to double its power output, while torque should be around the 563Nm mark.

That said, the EcoBoost could be exclusive to North America’s Ranger Raptor, meaning other markets, including diesel-loving Australia, might get the T6.2 Ranger’s fresh 3.0-litre Power Stroke single-turbo diesel V6 instead, with about 190kW/600Nm expected.

Either way, the next Ranger Raptor is all but confirmed to get the Bronco Raptor’s trick part-time four-wheel-drive system with three drive modes and a two-speed transfer case.

No matter the engine, what will be familiar is the new Ranger Raptor’s 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. And yes, a manual option isn’t expected, in a move that would mirror the Bronco Raptor and T6.2 Ranger Power Stroke.

The T6.2 Ranger is set to get the usual Raptor treatment. (Image credit: Kolesa)

Otherwise, the T6.2 Ranger is set to get the usual Raptor treatment, including overhauled off-road suspension, a unique front fascia, pronounced fender flares, a chunky wheel-and-tyre package, specific decals and sports versions of the steering wheel and front seats.

But to get a sense of what the next Ranger Raptor will look like, Kolesa has published two renderings (see above), which are based on recent spy images of a camouflaged prototype’s exterior.

As reported, the new Ranger Raptor will have the Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior in its sights when it goes on sale locally in the fourth quarter of this year.