We’ve been looking forward to the new 2018 Ford Ranger that will make its way to the market for several months. Hopefully, this impressive midsize pickup truck will be one that makes its way to the North American market in the next model year to give us something to go up against the GM models that have taken over the market and become the most impressive trucks in this class. The Ranger is expected to make its return and be a truck that carries a name we’ve known and loved for many years, but the Raptor model is the most interesting one for us to discuss.
On February 7, 2018, the new Ford Ranger Raptor will make its debut in Bangkok, Thailand to give us a look at what the international model will be of this new truck. When it shows up, the expectation is for this truck to be powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that has the ride and the qualities we want for the drive. The challenge for our market is the fact that this won’t be the version that shows up in North American for the drive.
The Version We Expect
As the Ford Ranger Raptor is created not only will it come to the US as a model that’s different from what international markets have, it should be one that can compete heavily with the Colorado ZR2 from Chevrolet, at least the gasoline version. This new truck should be powered by the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine to give you efficiency and power that can get you wherever you need to go in a truck that has a smaller stature than the current F-150 Raptor that we see on the market today.
Even though we know only a little bit about this truck, the expectation is that this truck will be offered with an upgraded Fox suspension, additional power over the standard version, and styling items that give this truck an amazing look. We’ll see more details that give us a better idea of what we’ll have with this impressive truck when we see it on the show floor in Bangkok in just a couple of months. This truck has been hotly anticipated for a long time and will finally be offered for us to have the drive we’ve been after when we want a truck that we have known and trusted.
Aiming at the gasoline model of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a great place to begin when it comes to the Ranger Raptor, but the ZR2 has a diesel engine as well. Does this mean we’ll eventually see the model that will be offered in Thailand brought to the US? Will this version of the truck be able to pass the emissions regulations in the US to be a vehicle that can be offered the way we want? We won’t know any of this until the Ranger is offered and makes its way across the stage. The fact is, we need the Ranger to make its way to the market again as a vehicle that can compete perfectly in this class.
Looking for a vehicle with a little bit more storage space? Then opt for the versatile Ford Escape. This SUV is capable, smart, and safe. It’s the perfect family vehicle, whether you’re taking the crew on a weekend road trip or just picking the kids up from school.
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