Photo: Ford
Following its debut in January, the all-new, performance-focused Ford Bronco Raptor became available to order in March. A majority of the 2022 model year allocation will go to existing reservation holders, with deliveries to begin this summer if all goes according to plan.
Under the hood, the company initially set a target of 400+ horsepower, but Ford CEO Jim Farley has now confirmed that output will be 418 horsepower along with 440 pound-feet of torque. That’s with premium gasoline, of course.
The new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine generates considerably more power (+88 hp) and torque (+125 lb-ft.) than the optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 in the regular Bronco. On the other hand, it’s still short of the 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque delivered by the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and its 6.4-litre HEMI V8.
Photo: Ford
The transmission in the Bronco Raptor is a 10-speed automatic that has been tuned to meet Ford Performance standards. Meanwhile, the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) terrain management system offers seven driver-selectable modes including a uniquely tuned Baja mode that activates a turbo anti-lag calibration to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs. The advanced 4×4 system benefits from a higher-capacity clutch and upgraded transfer case allowing a crawl ratio of up to 67.7:1.
On top of that, a true dual-exhaust system featuring Bronco-first active-valve technology improves the exhaust note and allows drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco Raptor with four selectable exhaust modes—Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.
Pricing starts at $102,090 in Canada including freight and PDI. That’s an outrageous amount of money to spend on a Bronco, although the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is even more expensive at $105,640.
Photo: Ford
F-150 Raptor R Coming With Supercharged V8
In related news, the F-150 Raptor pickup will add a mighty new R model for 2023, taking a direct shot at the 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX. Ford is slow to make it official, but we should see it by the end of the summer.
In recent days, a window sticker leaked online revealing a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine. We all know this one from the Mustang Shelby GT500, which cranks out 760 horsepower. Will the F-150 Raptor R be just as potent? That’s doubtful, but evidently power will not be a problem.
One thing’s for sure, this new modern-day dinosaur will add its name to the list of the biggest gas-guzzlers in Canada.