As if the Ford Bronco wasn’t already in high demand, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is now being revealed to further fuel the frenzy. Utilizing a vastly improved chassis with more suspension travel, more ground clearance and a wider track to utilize over 400 horsepower under the hood, there’s every reason to believe it will succeed both off the beaten path and in dealer showrooms as a halo vehicle for the Bronco brand.
“We put all of our passion and Bronco and Raptor know-how into creating this absolute desert racer,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “It’s the real deal. It’s not for show and it’s not for everyone. But for people who like to get out into nature, it’s the ultimate. And only Ford could create a Bronco Raptor.”
More power and more strength to use it
Let’s answer the big question right away, though we have to point out that Ford isn’t ready to offer complete information just yet. Instead of a warmed-up 2.7-liter V6, the Bronco Raptor gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that develops at least 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts). Final horsepower and torque figures have yet to be set, but this engine already produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Newton-meters) of torque in the Explorer ST. Ford says the engine will be tuned specifically for the Raptor and will breathe through an upgraded induction system with improved intercooling and a true dual-mode exhaust system.
The only transmission offered is the 10-speed automatic which can be changed from the steering wheel if drivers want a bit more involvement. Power is channeled through larger driveshafts front and rear, connecting to upgraded Dana axles shared with the decidedly not Street-legal Bronco DR racing SUV. The 4×4 system includes an improved transfer case, a larger capacity clutch and the Baja mode is modified to include, among other things, an anti-lag system. The Bronco Raptor also features a tow/haul mode with a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.
Ultra4 race-inspired suspension
More power is always nice, but the real news comes with prolific suspension upgrades that take inspiration from the hardcore Ultra4 Racing series. The aforementioned axles are part of that, but it continues with an upgraded High Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system that adds Fox semi-active shocks similar to those found on the F-150 Raptor. Sensors monitor suspension height and terrain conditions to adjust damper settings on the fly; it all connects to a beefed-up frame with stiffer shock towers up top and Ford Performance-developed front/rear suspension arms down below.
As a result, the Bronco Raptor has 13.0 inches of suspension travel in the front and 14.0 inches in the rear, an increase of 60% forward / 40% rear over to a base model Bronco. The stance is 8.6 inches wider, and with additional frame support from reinforced B- and C-pillars, the Raptor has 50 percent more torsional rigidity. Minimum ground clearance is 13.1 inches, and if drivers use every inch of it, skid plates underneath cover all vital components.
Factory widebody
Two types of beadlock-compatible 17-inch wheels are offered, wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires that Ford says are the biggest ever offered on a stock SUV in the United States. An upgraded electric steering rack and tie rods help handle the beefy rubber, and with the huge fender flares in place, the Bronco Raptor is 9.8 inches wider than a standard model. However, flares aren’t the only exterior upgrades – Ford is replacing the fenders, side panels and hood with Raptor-specific parts. The door appliques are part of the package, and of cours there’s the Raptor-branded grille with bold Ford branding leading the way.
Additional visual enhancements include unique daytime running lights and a Ford Performance modular front bumper with integrated tow hooks. An available Bronco Raptor graphics package brightens the exterior with splash patterns, and yes, the Raptor will get Code Orange as an exterior color option. There’s more Code Orange inside with trim, not to mention the 12-inch digital instrument cluster with a special Raptor tune. Bronco Raptor also gets a thicker steering wheel, upgraded seats from Ford Performance, special trim options, and the High Package is included as standard equipment.
Price and availability
As we said at the beginning, Ford is not ready to release all the information about the Bronco Raptor just yet. There’s not even a hint of the Bronco Raptor’s base price, but it’s worth noting that the 470 hp (350 kW) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 starts at just under $75,000. Order books open in March, but a planned production launch is not available. Ford is calling it a 2022 model, so it will hit dealerships later this year.
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