Ford Exec Says R-Rated Ranger and Bronco Raptors Not in the Cards

Forget the V8 Raptor dreams, boet – Ford’s top engineer says the Ranger Raptor might *already* have too much power, and that’s not a joke. I mean, seriously? Too much power for a bakkie? Jislaaik. We’re talking about a machine designed to conquer the Karoo, not cruise Sandton City. But apparently, Ford Performance boss Carl Widmann thinks they might have peaked. Let’s unpack this kak. ## So, What’s This ‘Too Much Power’ Kak All About? Widmann, speaking to Road & Track, isn’t messing around. He reckons the Ranger Raptor is already pushing the boundaries of what’s sensible for a vehicle of its size. It’s a bold claim, especially considering the obsession South Africans have with more power. More is *always* better, right? Wrong, apparently. According to Widmann, the Ranger Raptor “already has significantly more power than any other truck in its class. Nothing else is even within 30 horsepower.” Think about that while you’re stuck behind a Hilux on the N1. He's not saying they’ll *never* add more grunt, but the current setup is, in his words, already at the “outer edges of the segment’s performance limits”. It's a bit like Nando’s perfecting their peri-peri sauce – sometimes, you just can’t improve on perfection. ## Bronco vs. Ranger: Why Different Strokes for Different Folks It's not just about the Ranger Raptor, though. Ford seems content with keeping both the Bronco and Ranger Raptors on their current twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The F-150 Raptor R, with its 5.2-liter V-8, remains the king of the hill. Widmann confirmed he “has not seen any plans” for R-rated versions of either the Bronco or Ranger. The reasoning? Different vehicles, different priorities. The Bronco Raptor gets 418 ponies from its V6, while the Ranger Raptor makes 405. But the Ranger compensates with a lighter frame. This means in a straight line, they’re pretty close. ## Numbers Don't Lie: How the Ranger Raptor Stacks Up Let’s get down to brass tacks. How does the Ranger Raptor actually *perform*? Well, according to testing done by Car and Driver (referenced by Road & Track), the 5372-pound Ranger Raptor hits 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The slightly heavier (5764-pound) Bronco Raptor takes 5.6 seconds. But both are left in the dust by the F-150 Raptor R, which sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. That’s a serious difference. It’s like comparing a cheetah to a springbok. Here's a quick look: * **Ranger Raptor:** 5.3 seconds (0-60 mph), 405 horsepower * **Bronco Raptor:** 5.6 seconds (0-60 mph), 418 horsepower * **F-150 Raptor R:** 3.6 seconds (0-60 mph), V-8 engine ## Is This a Win for Sanity (and Our Wallets)? Let’s be real, boet. A more powerful Raptor would be *expensive*. We’re already looking at a hefty price tag for the current models. Adding a V8 or significantly boosting the horsepower would send the price soaring, potentially putting it out of reach for many South African enthusiasts. Think about it: the current Ranger Raptor is already pushing the limits of what most of us can afford. Do we *really* need even more power? For 99% of us, the answer is probably no. It's a bit like needing a V12 engine to drive to Checkers for milk. Overkill. ## The Ford Performance Software: A Little Extra Oomph? There's a glimmer of hope, bru. Ford *could* standardize the available Ford Performance software calibration, which pushes the outputs to 455 hp and 536 pound-feet of torque. This would give existing owners a relatively affordable way to unlock a bit more performance without needing a whole new engine. It’s a software update, not a full engine rebuild – much easier on the wallet. ## What Does This Mean for South African Bakkie Fans? This news is interesting for us here in Mzansi. The Toyota Hilux and VW Amarok are serious competitors, and both have loyal followings. While they don't quite match the Ranger Raptor’s raw performance, they offer a different kind of appeal – reliability, practicality, and a more accessible price point. Ford’s decision to stick with the current Raptor setup might allow them to focus on refining other areas, like off-road capability and interior features, to stay competitive. It also means the current Ranger Raptor remains a seriously capable machine. It’s a bakkie that can handle a weekend braai run to the bush *and* turn heads in the Cape Town CBD. ## The Future of Raptors: Never Say Never, Bru Never say never, right? While Ford isn’t planning any major shakeups right now, the automotive world is constantly evolving. Technology changes, market demands shift, and Ford might eventually decide that an R-rated Raptor is worth the investment. But for now, it seems we’ll have to settle for the lekker Raptors we already have. **Verdict:** Ford’s decision to hold off on a V8-powered Ranger Raptor is actually a smart move. It keeps the price reasonable, maintains a good balance of performance and practicality, and avoids the risk of creating a vehicle that’s simply too much for most drivers (and our wallets). It’s a sensible decision, even if it’s a bit disappointing for those of us who dream of a truly monstrous Raptor. But this raises a crucial question: will the focus now shift to enhancing the off-road capabilities of the existing Raptor, turning it into an even more unstoppable force on the trails? Click here to find out what the future holds for Raptor's off-road tech!