Ford has confirmed that a Raptor-based performance version of the top-selling Ranger ute is on its way here.

Set to arrive in New Zealand and across Asia Pacific in 2018, the purpose-built, desert-racing inspired pickup truck joins the Ford Performance family, carrying the name Ford Ranger Raptor.

“We are very excited to bring Asia Pacific’s toughest and smartest pickup truck to a whole new level,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, product development, Ford Asia Pacific. “Ford Ranger Raptor will offer Ranger fans a fantastic opportunity to own an authentic off-road performance version of their favorite truck for the first time.”

Key to the increased ‘offroad-ability’ promised in the new model is (or so informed sources say) a new multi-link coil-sprung rear suspension package and four-wheel disc brakes.

The wheels on the test mule pictured here were 17 inch dia, alloys fitted with wide (285/70 x 17) BF Goodrich A/T tyres, meaning a small natural lift over the current model not to mention a much improved stance. Hence the following comment from Jamal Hameedi, the chief engineer at Ford’s Performance division.

“Combining the Raptor’s advanced off-road capabilities with the versatility of the Ranger is a significant accomplishment for Ford’s world-class engineering and design teams,” says Worthington.

According to Ford, the new Ranger Raptor will join the US-market F-150 Raptor to advance the globally renowned Ford Performance DNA, complementing the on-road high performance lineup of Ford GT, Ford Mustang Shelby, Focus RS and Focus ST.

More details as they come to hand.