MOTORS: You have to pay for noise of Ford Ranger Raptor on the open road
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It’s easy to forget just how much our cars have advanced over the years. A few years ago I drove an original Audi Quattro from the early ‘80s and couldn’t believe how basic it was.
Under the surface, the four-wheel drive system was revolutionary, but that apart it was remarkably unsophisticated, with wind-down windows and clunky manual five-speed gearbox while airbags, on-board computer and sat-nav were just fantasy.
Yet the car cost around £20,000 – probably more than £100,000 in today’s money – which was a fair amount in those days.
Go back another 60 years and in automotive terms, it’s like entering the Stone Age, as I was reminded when I took one of Ford’s latest creations and introduced it to its great-great grandfather, the Model T Ford.
A fine selection of some of the original Model T trucks – the collection of the owner of Pie Bob’s in Arbroath, one of the sponsors of the Glamis Castle Extravaganza organised by the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club – were on display in the castle grounds.
As I was at the wheel of a brand-new Ford Ranger Raptor – £63,000 worth of technology – I thought it was too good an opportunity to miss getting them together.
The contrast with the original holder of the classic emblem, which sold new for around $300, was astounding, not least that there’s just a huge FORD name across the vast grille.
While the old fella had only a basic speedo and fuel gauge, the 2023 version oozed technology starting with a beefy 3.0-litre V6 beast under the vast bonnet.
The first version of the Raptor variant of the Ranger pick-up from Ford’s Performance division proved popular so this second generation model has upped the stakes with more power, advanced adjustable suspension, seven selectable drive modes, front and rear locking differentials, active exhaust mode offering four different notes from the twin chrome tailpipes, including Baja which effectively removes silencing to create an aggressive rasp and with its partner drive mode should only be used off-road.
The diesel powerplant in the former model is still available but the new petrol V6 is delightful and with its 10-speed auto box and off-road settings it is superbly confident in wild terrain.
Shod with massive BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres, grip was superb on slippery grass and deep mud, some of which was in the car park at the Glamis Extravaganza. You have to pay for noise on the open road and you struggle to maintain the claimed 20 mpg economy which is not surprising for this 2.5 tonne monster.
It is remarkably quick off the mark, hitting 62mph in less than eight seconds, something a hot hatch would be proud of.
The ride height is impressive and the side steps are essential for entry and exit but it’s still quite an exercise.
Visibility can be tricky but helped by the 360-degree camera which sends images to the huge 12-inch central touchscreen – helpful when you’re on the supermarket run and squeezing it into one-and-a-half spaces.
It has lots of toys to play with, including the rolltop cover for the loadspace which opens and closes electrically through a button on the key. In the cargo space there are useful power points, including a three-pin socket to power equipment on location.
Comfort is well taken care of with electrically-adjustable heated leather seats, heated leather steering wheel, a superb 10-speaker B&O sound system and a very smart digital dashboard on top of the central screen which is easy to navigate. The 2500kg towing capacity is more than anything you need for a big caravan, heavy horsebox or cattle trailer.
I loved it but the dramatic Code Orange paintjob with Raptor Splash decals (£1320 option) was more than a little over the top.
Old Henry – “you can have any colour as long as it’s black” – would be turning in his grave.
Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost 10-speed auto 4x4
PRICE: £59,530 (£62,710 as tested)
ENGINE: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
POWER: 292 PS
TORQUE: 583 Nm
TOP SPEED: 111mph
0-62 mph 7.9 secs
TOWING CAPACITY: 2500kgs (braked)
