Ford’s recently-revived Bronco SUV unequivocally represents one of the most hotly-anticipated new cars of the last several years, and roughly six months after the new model range first hit dealerships, the Blue Oval brand has now revealed a ruggedized, adventure-ready Raptor version of the Bronco.
Touted as “the world’s first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV,” the first-ever Bronco Raptor was designed and engineered by Ford Performance and is the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever created. Powering the go-anywhere SUV is an exclusive twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that will be good for more than 400hp and 415ft-lbs of torque. Equipped with an upgraded transfer case, an advanced three-mode 4×4 system, and a full set of bash and skid plates, the Raptor-spec 4×4 also offers at least 13.1” of ground clearance, and a custom-developed Live Valve tech-equipped Raptor HOSS 4.0 race-ready suspension system that utilizes FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers and affords 13” of travel up front and 14” in the rear.
Boasting an upgraded front and rear axle set that widens the vehicle’s track by 8.6”, the Bronco Raptor rides on a set of custom Ford Performance-designed 17” Beadlock-capable wheels that come shod in 37” BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. Constructed around a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame, this up-specced Bronco sports reinforced C and B-pillars that hugely bolster torsional rigidity by around 50%. Ford is also offering a wide range of available upgrades and add-ons for the newest member of the Raptor family, including a host of off-road and overland-focused items, along with luxury amenities such as an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. And, while this may eventually change, thus far the Bronco Raptor will only be available in a four-door body style.
Pricing and availability have yet to be announced, though Ford has revealed that it will begin accepting orders for the 2022 Bronco Raptor in March. Due to the global chip shortage that’s delayed the Bronco’s production, the Michigan marque will be giving the first allocations to existing reservation holders. The initial deliveries of the Bronco Raptor are slated to begin this summer.
