January 24th 2022
Ford has revealed an off-road focused Bronco Raptor with an improved chassis, better suspension travel, higher ground clearance, and a wider track. With all the off-road-ready features and more than 400 horsepower available for the 4×4, it will surely be victorious off the road as well as at dealerships with customers.
“We poured all of our passion and all of our Bronco and Raptor know-how into creating this absolute desert-racing beast,” stated Ford CEO Jim Farley. “It’s the real deal. It’s not for show, and it’s not for everybody. But for people who love to get out in the wild, it’s the ultimate. And only Ford could create a Bronco Raptor.”
Power Output
Let’s start with the information most off-road vehicle buyers ask upfront. Yes, the power output! Well, Ford didn’t reveal the details yet, but we can tell the 2022 Bronco Raptor will have a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 generating about 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts).
We said approximate 400 because the mill creates this much horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Newton-meters) of torque in the Explorer ST. Ford confirmed the engineers would fine-tune the powerplant by adding an updated induction system with a better intercooler and a dual multi-mode exhaust system.
The power will reach the wheels through a 10-speed automatic offering paddle-shifters and bigger driveshafts at front and rear. These combine with tweaked Dana axles that we found in the Bronco DR. The overall system boasts an improved transfer case, a better functioning clutch, and the altered Baja Mode. The highest towing capability stands at 4,500 pounds.
Suspension Inspired From Ultra4 Racing
The additional power won’t be adequate without the matching suspension. The good news is it enthuses from the famous Ultra4 Racing series. The suspension includes an advanced High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system with Fox semi-active dampers. The system observes suspension height and terrain settings and changes them on the go.
The changes allow the off-roader to travel 13.0 inches of suspension in the front and 14.0 inches in the back. It is an improvement of 60 per cent upfront / 40 per cent rear against the standard Bronco.
Furthermore, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is 8.6-inches wider, and thanks to the strengthened B- and C-pillars, the 4×4 features 50 per cent extra torsional rigidity. The least ground clearance you could achieve is up to 13.1 inches.
Wider Track
Ford offers two kinds of 17-inch Beadlock-capable wheels with 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires, which you can handle through an updated electric steering rack and tie rods. Besides, the 4×4 comes with big fender flares making it 9.8 inches wider than the typical Bronco.
Other visual tweaks comprise distinct daytime running lamps and an integrated front bumper from Ford Performance with fixed tow hooks. The optional Bronco Raptor Graphics Package peps up the exterior styling, giving us lots of Raptor-inspired cues.
Price And Availability
Customers can have the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor for $69,995 (comprising a $1,495 destination fee). The cost is lower than its biggest rival, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, starting at just below $75,000.
Booking will start in March, but we don’t know when would the automaker start production. Considering it is a 2022 model year SUV, it should be here by the 3rd quarter of this year. For comparison, the 2021 Bronco starts at AED 183,645 in the UAE.
Source and Images: Motor1