Another model joins the Ford Bronco family and it’s the one that performance enthusiasts have been waiting for. Indeed, the automaker finally unveiled the all-new 2022 Bronco Raptor this morning, inspired by both the F-150 Raptor and vehicles from the Ultra4 Racing endurance racing series.
Designed by the Ford Performance division, this model sets the bar very high – even higher than the Bronco Wildtrak equipped with the Sasquatch package, but perhaps not as much as the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. give it a try, let’s see what it has to offer.
Reinforced and more articulated chassis
The Bronco Raptor sits on a high-strength steel frame featuring new shock towers that increase suspension travel to 13 inches in the front and 14 inches in the rear. Thick skid plates extend from the front bumper to the rear of the engine and transfer case to preserve the integrity of vital components during off-road driving.
Photo: Ford
Ford employed FOX 3.1 semi-active shocks that are custom tuned. Ride height and other sensors monitor movement at each of the vehicle’s four corners hundreds of times per second to adjust damping accordingly.
Dana 44 AdvanTEK (front) and Dana 50 AdvanTEK (rear) axles tuned by Ford Performance, just like on the competition Bronco DR, widen the track by 8.6 inches. As for the ground clearance, it has been increased by 4.8 inches to 13.1 inches. It’s also thanks to the 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires that shod on the 17-inch Ford Performance wheels.
Photo: Ford
Higher up, the rear roof pillars and the crossbar that connects those in the center are reinforced to increase torsional stiffness by more than 50 percent over a regular four-door Bronco.
400 horsepower
Unlike the 6.4-liter V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392, the 2022 Bronco Raptor runs a twin-turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine. While the first generates 470 horsepower, the power of the second is “more than 400 horsepower” according to Ford. Note that it requires premium gasoline to obtain it.
Photo: Ford
No seven-speed manual here, just the 10-speed automatic. At least the latter benefits from a few revisions that make it more robust and efficient. And of course, the GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) terrain management system is included with its seven modes, including an exclusive Baja mode that reduces turbo lag.
The advanced four-wheel-drive system features a larger-bore clutch and transfer case. The slow walking ratio (crawl ratio) is 67.7:1. In addition, thanks to the new Tow/Haul mode, it is possible to tow loads of up to 4,500 pounds, which is 1,000 more than with a regular Bronco.
Photo: Ford
That’s not all: there’s an active-valve dual exhaust (a first for the Bronco) that offers four different sounds depending on which mode the driver chooses: Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.
Badass look
Design-wise, the 2022 Bronco Raptor naturally sports the big FORD lettering on its rectangular grille. LED headlights are unique to this model, as is the modular reinforced steel front bumper that incorporates tow hooks and has removable end caps to better squeeze into tight spots.
Hood vents are integrated into a carbon black panel, while fender vents are body-coloured. As you can see, the fenders and their contrasting flares are also Raptor specific. By the way, the running boards are removable.
Photo: Ford
No less than 10 paint colors are available and, if you find the vehicle does not show off enough, a set of Raptor graphics can be added.
Finally, in the cabin, the 12-inch digital instrumentation offers different displays, including a performance display that is exclusive and configurable. Orange accents adorn the decor, including even the illumination of the start button. Signature Ford Performance seats include more pronounced side bolsters for better support during difficult manoeuvres.
Photo: Ford
Ford says orders will begin in March. Priority will go to reservation holders, whom the company will contact in the coming days to see if they are interested in the Bronco Raptor. Deliveries are scheduled to start in the summer… if all goes well.