BIMS 2023: Diesel-powered Ford Ranger Raptor launched in Thailand
One of the most awaited models to come to the Philippines is definitely the new Ford Ranger Raptor which is now obviously based on the current generation Ranger pickup truck. With a new twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine under the hood plus a boat load of performance upgrades, it will surely be a winner. But it’s taking a while, isn’t it?
That does come as a surprise considering the Philippines is actually one of the top markets for the Ford Ranger Raptor globally but we think that the answer to the delay has just appeared and it’s over at the Land of Smiles.
Revealed at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, Ford Thailand has just shown-off a new variant of the much-loved Ranger Raptor. It looks the same as what the rest of the world gets but with the familiar 2.0-liter EcoBlue Bi-turbo diesel under the hood. Like the Wildtrak 4×4 and Everest Titanium 4×4 here, it still produces 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
It would be no surprise if Ford Philippines was actually waiting for this before bringing it into the country as Filipinos, despite the inconsistent fluctuating and higher prices of diesel fuel over the past year, remain diesel lovers. The twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, despite making much more power and torque at 397 hp and 583 Nm respectively, would not make as much sense for the market because of its fuel type.
As for when Ford Philippines will bring in the new Ranger Raptor, we don’t know. We did receive word that it is supposed to make an appearance at the upcoming Manila International Auto Show next month, but that may not happen after all due to delays, according to a source.
