SPY PICS: Ford Bronco Raptor
Jacked-up 4x4 desert-dueller may borrow from Aussie-designed Ranger Raptor super-uteFord has already officially (if accidentally) confirmed it is developing a hard-core Bronco Raptor, but now we’ve got our first look at how it’s shaping up.
These fresh spy shots from the US show a heavily camouflaged Ford Bronco five-door that is believed to be the first prototype of the range-topping Raptor ahead of its 2022 launch.
Despite the extra camo, there are a few telltale features that confirm this beefcake beast is a more hard-core machine than the top-spec Ford Bronco Wildtrak, namely the increased ground clearance and wider wheel-arches/extensions.
Like the US Ford F-150 Raptor and our Ranger Raptor models, the new Bronco flagship is expected to get longer-travel suspension and specially-tuned dampers – possibly Fox Shox – to enable airborne antics and the more challenging element of landing them.
These images show bigger-diameter shockers and the rear axle appears different to regular models’, as does the rear diff. The upgrades are likely to be similar to those seen on the Ranger Raptor, which rides on the same Australian-engineered T6 ladder frame.
Wearing BF Goodrich AT All-Terrain T/A tyres, the Ford Bronco Raptor development vehicle also has a different (and large) dual exhaust system on the left of the vehicle, hinting that a new engine will be forthcoming.
A high-output 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 from the current F-150 Raptor is possible.
As we’ve previously reported, the new F-150 Raptor may be lucky enough to get a supercharged V8 engine to rival the RAM 1500 TRX’s blown 6.2-litre Hellcat V8. The force-fed Ford V8 could also find its way into the Bronco, which would please die-hards yearning for a V8 powertrain a la classic Broncos.
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is likely to receive plenty of extra armour in the form of underbody protection and the interior will get special features and controls as well.
Alas there’s been no confirmation of right-hand drive production for the born-again Ford Bronco – let alone the hard-core Raptor version – so Aussies shouldn’t get too excited.
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