Bigger engine for Ford's super bakkie.

The rumour mill keeps grinding away, regarding Ford’s next-generation Raptor.

Sources close to FordAuthority, have allegedly confirmed the configuration for Ford'sRanger Raptor 2.0 – and no, it won’t have a four-cylinder engine, anymore.

The new Ranger Raptor will be rolling a 3-litre EcoBoost V6, combusting petrol. This engine architecture does duty in the current Explorer ST.

Ford’s most potent tune of the 3-litre EcoBoost V6 makes some very impressive numbers, especially for a bakkie. If product planners at the American brand decided to use the 3-litre EcoBoost V6 without any upgrades, it should boost 298 kW and 563 Nm of torque.

Power nearly doubles over the current 2-litre bi-turbodiesel’s 157 kW, whilst the torque gain is less impressive, at 12%.

The most significant improvement in Range Raptor’s driveability should be its acceleration and overtaking performance at highway speeds – both of which, are less than impressive, with the current diesel Raptor.

With so much power, the new Ranger Raptor V6 will also make for an excellent dune driving vehicle, although its fuel consumption will probably border on the ridiculous side of thirsty.

In the American and Australian markets, where owners have the purchasing power to feel indifference toward fuel prices, the idea of a Ranger Raptor V6 makes sense. South African bakkie buyers are inherently biased towards diesel, and that could be an issue for the new Ranger Raptor to overcome.

There is no question that any buyer who can afford a Ranger Raptor, will not be bothered by their fuel expense increasing with the switch from diesel to petrol. But to some, a reduction in range could be an issue, when planning that adventurous off-road expedition. Expect a range extending tank to be an option, either from Ford or on the aftermarket.

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