The only optional extra for the new Ford Ranger Raptor – What it is and what it costs

The second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor is now on sale in South Africa and its specification sheet is so comprehensive that it only has one optional extra that buyers can select.

This add-on is the Raptor-exclusive sticker pack, which comes in at a cost of R7,700.

What this accessory adds is sporty black/grey striping on the front fascia, tailgate, and load box flanks, with the latter complemented by large Raptor nomenclature in the same area.

Buyers who want a more toned-down sports bakkie can opt not to install these decals and have the Ford painted in one of eight solid colours.

While not really classified as an option, rather an after-sales agreement, a service plan is also something that can be added to the starting price of the high-performance double cab.

The standard Ford Protect service plan runs at a rate of R18,740.40 and is applicable for a period of six years or 90,000km, whichever comes first.

If both the boxes for the decals and after-sales agreement are ticked, the Raptor’s retail price rises from R1,094,900 to R1,121,340.40 – taking it from the third to the second-most-expensive bakkie in the country.

Most powerful bakkie in the game

The new Ranger Raptor is a beast of a 4×4 and is currently the most powerful bakkie you can buy in the country.

This is courtesy of a specially-developed 3.0-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol engine under the hood putting out an intimidating 292kW and 583Nm.

Paired to the power unit is a 10-speed automatic transmission that is lighter than the one you’ll find in the Wildtrak to coincide with the Raptor’s dynamic personality, translating drive to the ground via a permanent four-wheel-drive system.

While Ford has yet to reveal an official 0-100km/h acceleration time, it said the athletic 4×4 can claim the milestone in under six seconds making it faster than many hot hatches on the market.

Speed is one thing, but that’s not all the bakkie has going for it.

The Raptor was the recipient of wide-ranging enhancements including 2.5-inch live-valve Fox shocks, high-strength steel underbody protection, a model-unique Baja drive mode catered to off-road racing, and a reinforced C-pillar, load box, and spare wheel mounts for extra toughness.

It also gets an active exhaust system with four sound profiles  – Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja – which changes the Raptor’s vocal character from mild to wild depending on the driver’s mood.

Inside, the flagship Ranger sees distinctive Performance seats in leather at the front and back, an exclusive steering wheel, Code Orange design cues, and it’s the only bakkie in the range to boast the 12-inch digital driver’s display that is a standard fixture in the top-end Everest Platinum.