We getour first look at a prototype for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor wearing its production body, and running with a 2023 Bronco Warthog!

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

A new Ford Ranger is expected to be revealed in 2023 and this week Ford South Africa announced a $1-billion investment to upgrade its Silverton manufacturing plant where the new Ranger and the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will be built.

A new Ranger Raptor is also due in 2023 and a right-hand-drive prototype has now been spied undergoing testing with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet! This engine develops 231 kW and 540 Nm and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Ranger Raptorwas joined by a Bronco Warthog prototype, and the two had nearly identical engine and exhaust notes, locking in the notion that these two off-road offerings will be very closely related, mechanically.

In terms of styling, these spy shots reveal the Raptor'sflared, brawnier body and Raptor-spec “FORD” grille treatment which is only partially obscured by the camouflage. Raptor-style wheels, and the usual BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are also fitted, mere days after the announcement that the South African version of the Ranger Raptor was moving from the BFGs to General Grabber AT3 rubber. The Ranger Raptor prototype is fitted with wide-set dual exhaust, carefully tucked under the bumper for maximum ground clearance.

The Ranger Raptor’s rear suspension has some camouflage, almost certainly hiding the Live-Valve shocks that have also been photographed on the Bronco Warthog.

We will keep you updated as more news regarding the new Ranger Raptor becomes available.

Buy a Ford Ranger Raptor on Cars.co.za

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