It’s a long shot, but the latest-generation Ford Ranger could potentially spawn a potent Raptor variant with a V8 engine.
Given the popularity of the previous-generation Ranger Raptor, it seemed inevitable that the new model would also receive a Raptor variant. However, the old Ranger was never offered with a V8 but the similarities between the new Ranger and the Bronco opens up a host of new possibilities.
While speaking with Cars Guide, Ford’s vice-president of global product development, Trevor Worthington, said that the Bronco DR could serve as inspiration for a new Ranger Raptor.
Read More: 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Meets 2023 Ranger Raptor Out For Testing, See Them Side-By-Side
“There is a lot of that Bronco DR that is standard Bronco, and the underpinning of the standard Bronco and the underpinnings of the Ranger we’re just in the process of releasing is the same architecture,” he said.
When asked directly if a V8 Ranger would appeal to customers, including those in Australia, Ford Performance motorsports global director Mark Rushbook nodded and said a lot of features from the Bronco DR could be transferred to the Ranger.
“But at the end of the day, it’s got to be sensible and work for the business,” he acknowledged. “I’d love to think we could do something like that. No plans at the moment, but we want to work on it.”
Ford is in the midst of developing a Raptor version of the Bronco and while we’re sure Ford enthusiasts would love to see a V8 model, currently reports suggest it will be equipped with the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as the F-150 Raptor, which pumps out 450 hp and 510 lb-ft (691 Nm) of torque.
