Automotive Engineering - September 2023 - 16

ROAD READY
drivers trigger Active Park Assist 2.0,
which guides drivers in parallel and perpendicular
parking maneuvers.
Engineers concentrated on achieving maximum airflow into the twin-turbo 3.0-L V6.
Raptor ready to fly
Ford executives said the North
American enthusiast market has been
pining for Ford Performance's most
famous truck family, and the 2024
Ranger Raptor is here to make folks
forget about the previous generation's
top-of-the-line Tremor.
It is powered by a EcoBoost twinturbo
3.0-L V6 that generates 405 hp
(302 kW) and 430 lb-ft (583 Nm). It's
paired with a 10-speed transmission
with an electronically controlled, ondemand
two-speed transfer case and
front and rear locking differentials.
Ford Performance Chief Engineer
Engineers say that the key
to taking advantage of the
Raptor's Fox-developed 2.5inch
live-valve internal bypass
shocks is software's ability
to read and predict terrain
conditions at speed.
Carl Widmann said a lot of work was
done to maximize air induction on the
engine, which was codeveloped for the
Bronco Raptor. " We spent a lot of time
doing the analytics to get a free-flowing
air induction system and [turbocharger]
cooling system, really dropping all
those losses in the air inlets just a little
bit different on the Ranger due to the
architecture of the hood, " he said. The
engine is set up to deliver 90% of its
peak horsepower at redline " so that it's
you holding it back, not the engine. "
Raptor engineers readied the frame
used, such as at the top of door trims
and anywhere a driver or passenger
would regularly touch.
The instrument panel has been
pushed wide and holds a main instrument
cluster of 8 inches (20.3 cm), with
an optional 12.1-inch (30.7-cm) cluster.
Bucking some design trends, the portrait-aspect
infotainment touchscreen,
which ranges from 10.1 inches (25.7 cm)
in XL and XLT trips to a 12-inch screen
that's available in the Lariat and standard
on Raptor, is integrated into the
center stack. Paul Cassar, product mar16
September 2023
keting manager, said that research indicated
that customers strongly prefer
that setup to those that " float, " such as
in Mercedes and Audi vehicles. " It operates
just like a tablet or iPad that customers
are used to, " he said. The Sync 4
system also pairs wirelessly with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto.
The rear seats fold flat, which Ford
says is a class first, and have storage
underneath. Another item customers
preferred: the Ranger's 10-speed automatic
is operated by a lever rather than
a rotary shifter. It's from this shifter that
for tough punishment by reinforcing
the front rails, front shock towers, rear
shock brackets and suspension mounting
points, among other areas.
Suspension comprises lightweight aluminum
upper and lower control arms
and a long-travel rear suspension with
a Watts linkage and trailing arms to
maintain control when driving off-road.
Fox 2.5-inch (6.4 cm) live valve internal
bypass shocks (coilovers at the
front and piggyback reservoirs out
back) are filled with Teflon-infused oil
to reduce friction and heat-buildup for
all-day performance.
Ranger pricing starts at $34,160,
while the Raptor starts at $56,960.
Prices include destination and delivery
charges. Ford will begin taking orders
later this spring.
Chris Clonts
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
FROM TOP: CHRIS CLONTS; FORD
Automotive Engineering - September 2023

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