Spied: Ford Ranger Raptor spotted testing as reveal nears

The unveiling of Ford’s new Ranger was one of the biggest new-car events of 2021 in this part of the world. And that’s set to continue in 2022 with the upcoming debut of the Ranger Raptor performance flagship, as well as the arrival of a hybrid variant. 

We’re now a step closer to knowing exactly what the Raptor will look like, with more spy images reaching the internet almost every day as the model’s test cycle continues — with the attached spy images offering significant insight. 

The images come from Thailand, showing the model decorated in a complex wrap (complete with marketing hashtag). This could mean that, like with the standard Ranger’s reveal, Ford may drag out the Raptor’s reveal by showing it in camouflaged form first. 

Originally published on the kurdistan_automotive_blog Instagram account, the images aren’t exactly revealing. But there’s several Raptor-specific details that can be spotted if you ook at the shots for long enough. 

It once again gets a pair of meatier side steps and black wheel-arch extensions. The grille’s central panel appears to be made out of black plastic, likely meaning that the model will once again feature bold ‘FORD’ text across its fascia between the headlights. 

The Ranger Raptor looks set to gain dual exhaust pipes for the first time. The model could be getting some additional safety equipment spec, too, with speculation that the slightly revised tail lights house additional sensors for features like rear cross-traffic alert.

One of the more curious changes is the removal of the recess on the corners of the rear bumper. This was one of the more celebrated features of the standard Ranger, acting as a step for owners to use to easily access the bed from a taller height. It looks like the Raptor skips it entirely. 

As previously reported, Ford confirmed late last year that some form of Raptor reveal would take place in February 2022. As alluded to above, that could mean a full reveal, or a teased-out reveal with the model shown off in camouflage.

The twin exhaust pipes add fuel to the widely touted rumour that the Raptor will get a petrol V6 power plant. Specifically, it’s expected that the model will either get the twin-turbo 3.0 V6 from the Explorer ST, which in that application produces 298kW, or the 231kW 2.7-litre V6 from the Bronco. 

While it’s possible that the Raptor could also use the 3.0-litre turbodiesel already confirmed for the Wildtrak, the teaser video Ford used when confirming the Raptor’s reveal date was accompanied by a very petrol-V6-sounding exhaust note. 

Long story short, we remain very intrigued by this unveil. Ball’s in your court, Ford.