Next Ford Ranger Raptor spotted testing

Ford is currently testing a facelifted version of the wide body Ranger Raptor in Australia.

Spotted by a keen-eyed Wheels reader in Mildura, the half-camouflaged mule indicates that Blue Oval engineers are currently working on a facelift for the Ranger’s halo model.

We were instantly able to recognise development vehicle as a Raptor, and not a regular Ranger, thanks to the flared arches, and visibly trick rear suspension.

The mule was travelling with a pair of unmarked Ford vehicles, with engineers hurriedly trying to cover the test vehicle from prying eyes.

The camouflaged bonnet and bumper indicates that work is currently being conducted on the front half of the vehicle.

Interestingly, the lower section of the front bumper seems to have a more pronounced cutaway compared to the current-gen Raptor that has the outer edge flush with the flared guards.

The next-generation of Ranger is currently deep in its development cycle, and is expected to be underpinned by an evolution of the T6 platform that was developed in by Ford Australia engineers for the current dual-cab ute and its Everest SUV sibling.

Wheels scooped the design of the next-generation Ford Ranger earlier this year, and we expect the new model to go on sale in 2021.

The test mule doesn’t appear to have the design study’s squared-off body, indicating that this is an engine or suspension evaluation vehicle.

Ford began selling the Ranger in North America this year; however that market missed out on the diesel-powered Ranger. Wheels understand that a petrol-powered version using the Ecoboost four-cylinder engine from the Mustang is on the wish list for the US market. This could be that vehicle.

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