Raw, excessive and utterly unmistakable, here is the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is finally here... well not quite!
Whilst Malaysia got a fleeting preview of the 2022 Raptor, our colleagues from Thailand are the first to get up close with the Ranger's flagship variant, which officially went on sale in Thailand in March 2022.
Also read: All-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia - 6 variants from RM 108k, Wildtrak from RM 162,888
Priced at THB 1.87 million (~RM 234k) the second-generation Raptor is a genuine mould-breaker as it features a turbocharged V6 petrol engine instead of a turbodiesel four-cylinder previously shared with the Ranger Wildtrak.
Under the hood is a bi-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine that makes 397 PS and 583 Nm (versus the predecessor's 213 PS / 500 Nm), paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Also read: Here's a sneak peak of the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor for Malaysia - V6 petrol or 4-cylinder diesel?
Power is sent to all four wheels now through a newly developed electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. A locking differential features on each axle for maximum traction.
The 2022 Ranger Raptor is loaded with seven selectable on- and off-road drive modes.
The Raptor is fitted with FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers which adjust electronically adapts to the terrain up to 500 times a second.
Underneath, the chassis has been beefed up, featuring a series of unique mounts to ensure the 2022 Raptor can the stresses of off-road driving.
In terms of aesthetics, the 2022 Raptor features C-clamp Matrix LED headlamps and a front grille featuring the Ford script.
Further down, the 2022 Raptor features a brawny front bumper with functional air vents, whilst a reinforced alloy skid plate is positioned at the bottom to protect the engine.
Along the flanks, the 2022 Raptor receives wide wheel arches for a beefier stance, and to accommodate wide 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tires all round.
Elsewhere, the 2022 Raptor is fitted with functional fender vents, and powder coated die cast aluminium side steps to aid entry and egress.
Round the back, it's finished off with a purposeful "Raptor" logo and a unique rear bumper with an integrated step pad and towbar.
The interior of the 2022 Raptor is claimed to be inspired by a fighter jet, as seen in the sport bucket seats (10-way powered in front) and roof-mounted auxiliary switches.
Front and centre is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Ford Sync4 that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
For the driver, there's a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with various configurable displays.
The 2022 Raptor's cabin is highlighted with the signature Code Orange highlights for additional pizzaz.
In Thailand, the 2022 Raptor is offered in 4 exterior colours - Absolute Black, Arctic White, Conquer Grey and the highlight Code Orange as seen here.
Also read: The new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is now a better road-legal Baja buggy
Official distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion has said the 2022 Raptor is slated to be launched in Malaysia in Q4 2022.
We still don't know if Malaysia will be getting the V6 petrol or retaining the 4-cylinder diesel.
According to some sources, the 2022 Raptor could cost up to 15 percent more than its predecessor - thus a RM 240k pricetag could be likely when its all said and done.