Cars

Ford Ranger Raptor gets even more 'bad ass'

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition
Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition

IF the regular Ranger Raptor pick-up isn't eye-catching enough for you, here's some good news - Ford has gone and made an even move vivid special edition version, writes William Scholes.

Called simply, with admirable restraint, the 'Special Edition', the truck gets a smattering of interior and exterior upgrades.

These include matte black racing stripes to the bonnet, roof, lower body sides, rear wing and tailgate, edged in red. You can have the bodywork painted in any colour you like, as long as its 'performance blue', 'conquer grey' or 'frozen white'.

There are also red front tow hooks, and there's a matte black finish for the flared wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, door handles and grille.

Much red stitching can be found inside; almost nothing screams 'special edition' more than miles of scarlet thread.

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition
Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition

There are no mechanical changes, but that's probably OK, as the 'regular' Raptor is more than enough to be getting on with for something so large on our roads.

That means a 210bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine making a chunky 369lb ft.

It's four-wheel-drive - obviously... - and has the same 10-speed automatic gearbox found on the Ford Mustang.

Compared to the regular Ranger, the Raptor has a 150mm wider track and 51mm raised ride height.

Trick Fox shock absorbers and General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres mean this is a genuinely capable vehicle, too.

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition
Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition

"The new Ranger Raptor Special Edition adds even more dramatic style to our 'bad-ass' truck, with unique exterior touches and cabin enhancements that make our off-road performance pick-up even more distinctive and desirable," says Stefan Muenzinger, manager of Ford Performance at Ford of Europe.

Ford tends to announce its Ranger updates quite far ahead of the vehicle coming to market.

In the Raptor Special Edition's case, it won't go on sale until October.

With a Raptor already costing more than £48,000, might the Special Edition break the £50k mark?

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition
Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition