Ford Almost Stuffed A 13-Speed Transmission In The Ranger Raptor

The newly unveiled Ranger Raptor utilizes the same 10-speed automatic gearbox as the F-150 Raptor.

Co-developed with General Motors, the gearbox channels the 210hp (213PS) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque produced by the 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine to both axles.

However, that wasn’t the brand’s first intention, as according to the Ford Asia Pacific transmission and driveline engineering manager, John Fallu, who spoke to CarAdvice, they looked at different gearboxes, including one with 13 speeds!

“We actually did simulations during the exhaustive testing process for the optimum number of gear ratios for a rear-wheel drive truck of this size and power… we looked at 7 speeds, 9 speeds, all the way up to 12 and 13 speeds, to see if – from a performance perspective and an efficiency perspective – what truly is the optimal design.”

Eventually, the automaker settled for the 10-speed auto, as it meets their refinement and performance benchmarks. Moreover, its gear shifting “isn’t perceptible”, added Fallu. “The torque converter is selected specifically for trying to meet – and improve – the launch performance of the engine, so as to meet customer expectations.”

In other related news, Ford still hasn’t decided whether it will bring the Ranger Raptor to the United States. However, if it finally arrives here, then the 2.0-liter diesel engine powering the international model will most probably be ditched in favor for a gasoline unit.

The most likely candidate appears to be the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which currently powers the Edge ST, generating 335hp and 380lb-ft (514Nm) of torque.

By comparison, the larger F-150, in Raptor guise, has 450hp and 510lb-ft (691Nm) of torque from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.