Jesse James
If the new Ford Bronco wasn’t popular enough, just wait until you find out more about the Ford Bronco Raptor. This isn’t your average Bronco, and that is exactly what the automaker intended. Overhauled and upgraded by Ford Performance, the Bronco Raptor is an Ultra4 Racing-inspired beast powered by Ford’s exclusive twin-turbo three-liter EcoBoost engine. The motor can deliver around 400 hp, which takes the SUV to a whole new level.
The Raptor rendition will also feature a Raptor HOSS 4.0 race-ready suspension system, a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame, and standard 37-inch all-terrain tires. Oh, it’s also 9.8 inches wider than a four-door Bronco, designed with off-roading in mind. Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer, spoke about the ride. He stated: “We had to build the Bronco Raptor — it’s our ultimate vehicle for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who demand something more.”
Mr. Widmann went on to add, “Like the Ultra4 desert race trucks, the ‘Raptor of SUVs’ conquers desert dunes at highway speeds and is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware.”
The increased track width is paired with new driveshafts and axles while boasting a higher ground clearance of 13.1 inches. The Ford Performance-designed 17-inch x 8.5-inch Beadlock-capable wheels are a nice touch, while intercooling and air-induction systems were designed to keep up in hot environments. The Bronco Raptor features seven driver modes depending on what you need to do. Paul Wraith, Bronco design chief, opened up about the vehicle’s looks. He said, “As the most badass Bronco yet, the Bronco Raptor design is extreme. It’s muscular while maintaining an underlying simplicity with performance-focused details added only for outstanding high-speed capability.”
Take a closer look at the Bronco Raptor in the images and look for the vehicle to be available to order in March. Be sure to check back in with The Culture Curators for more auto news coming soon.
Photos via Ford
