Page 16 - Spanish Insight - November 2019
P. 16
INSIGHT - CARS
Sponsored by FORD GARUM MOTOR in Velez Malaga
“Climb every mountain” is a good phrase to use for this
car tested which was the ford ranger raptor 2.0 213
hp.4x4 auto. A ford Performance vehicle with prices from
49.900€ with ford finance, taxes included for autónomo/
business, call in to discuss your own requirements and
book a test drive……….you will ENJoy I promise!
& rear disc brakes in place
of the standard drums
• High-performance off-
road seats with dual
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a unique choice for you hardness cushioning and technical suede finish
in this market, totally designed and engineered by with a new interior styling with blue stitching,
Ford Performance the same team that produced leather accents and Ceramic trim. Raptor
the Ford Mustang and GT supercar so it’s built to steering wheel, with lightweight magnesium gear
do one thing, which is go as fast as possible off- paddle shifters plus a new instrument cluster with
road, but safely. The Raptor is very different from twin dials (speedo & RPM) and central info screen
the standard Ranger and it’s not just the case of • Six-mode Terrain Management System thrown around the cab. The whole thing has
throwing on a body kit and raising the suspension • New FORD grille modelled after the F-150 been designed and tested to cope with extended
to make it look good, and here are a few of the Raptor with a raised frame-mounted front periods of off-road driving up to 105mph/160
performance enhancing features gladly taken bumper with front LED fog lights with functional kph. The Terrain management system or TMS as
from the Parkers review as I did not have time to air-curtain ducts to reduce air resistance they call it offers you 6 settings, normal, sport,
take the car to bits: • Composite front wing panels to better resist off- grass/gravel & snow, mud & sand, rock and
• Front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock road damage from flying debris & flared wheel a Baja mode which automatically reduces the
absorbers arches to accommodate extra suspension so a electronic intervention for faster off-road driving.
• Rear coil over spring conversion (instead of 150mm increase in track width The TMS works in conjunction with the part time
leaf springs) with new Watts linkage to stabilise • Diecast aluminium alloy side steps, designed 4-wheel drive system operated by a simple 3
the suspension movement in extreme off-road to protect the rear bodywork from flying debris setting switch located next to the gear shift. Now
driving and sharpen on-road dynamics • New rear bumper with flush-mounted sensor to be honest you may still get thrown about a
• Uniquely modified chassis frame for increased bezels little, but the specially designed seat fabric stops
strength and revised suspension geometry • Twin front tow hooks rated to 4,635kg & Twin you sliding as you would on leather. The seats
to suit raised ride height with new forged rear recovery tow hooks rated to 3,863kg, plus are very comfortable with electric adjustment
aluminium upper front suspension arms and an integrated rear tow bar rated to 2,500kg (2.5 so along with all the suspension and chassis
cast aluminium lower suspension arms for tonnes) features they keep you in control and allow you to
increased suspension travel, replacing heavier • Specially developed 33-inch BF Goodrich all- keep on carrying speed that would simply shake
steel items terrain tyres with tough sidewalls most other pickups to death.
• Front brake callipers with 20% larger pistons • New front bash plate made from 2.3mm high- Finally, I do believe those clever folks at Ford and
strength steel especially the Performance Team have delivered
The front and rear suspension conversion by a little monster of a truck which is a pleasure and
Ford Performance delivers good cruising comfort huge fun to drive both off road and around the
on the road in addition to exceptional impact town. It has all you need from this type of vehicle
performance when being worked to their limit with of course all the other trimmings like the
at high speeds off road as I experienced myself Infotainment system, parking sensors/camera
and yes a truly amazing controlled ride, so those etc and more than enough space and comfort
rain hit tracks home “ No Problem”. Additionally, inside even for the rear passengers plus a huge
the new chassis using multiple grades of steel load carrying capacity, just the pick-up for you,
maximises the strength including stiffened side well maybe?
rails and strengthened suspension mounts,
plus protruding shock absorber towers at the
front to cope with the Raptor’s extra width and
suspension travel and there’s also a diff-lock for
any even trickier low-grip situations. All in all, I
think the upgraded suspension and chassis are
everything you’d expect, and The Raptor can
manage huge impacts as in sudden bumps
or dips and just keep going without you being
16 Spanish Insight November 2019