300kW Ford Bronco Raptor unleashed

Ford Performance has launched the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor and confirmed it will be powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost petrol V6 that will produce 'at least' 298kW, almost certainly previewing the powertrain of the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor.

Ford says the "most powerful street-legal Bronco ever" also features extensive chassis upgrades and re-engineering measures compared to the standard retro-SUV, aimed at improving both high-speed stability over rough terrain and low-speed capability including rock crawling.

Full performance figures have yet to be released, but the Ford Bronco Raptor borrows its powertrain from the latest Ford Explorer ST and adds a better-breathing induction system, an enhanced intercooler and a new multi-mode exhaust that Ford says combine to produce higher outputs than the 298kW/563Nm the Explorer ST manages.

Just one transmission will be offered, the Ford-GM-developed 10-speed automatic that channels its power to all four wheels via thicker front and rear driveshafts and race-sped Dana axles borrowed from the Bronco DR racer.

Improving durability further, there's a new transfer case and a higher-capacity clutch, while the desert-racing Baja mode features a new anti-lag system.

As well as more power, the key to unlocking the Bronco Raptor's cross-country pace is a bespoke suspension system inspired by Ultra4 off-road racing.

The Bronco gets semi-active dampers sourced from Fox that borrow know-how from Ford's flagship F-150 Raptor. The new shocks monitor suspension height and terrain and adjust accordingly on the move.

Ensuring the suspension can cope with the higher forces involved with driving at high-speed in the desert, the Bronco's Australian-developed T6 ladder-frame has received extensive reinforcements including new stiffer shock towers, plus new Ford Performance lower front and rear control arms.

With extra strengthening around both the B- and C-pillars, the Bronco Raptor is said to have 50 per cent more torsional rigidity.

Throw in the long-travel coil-over shocks and there's a big 330mm of suspension travel up front and 356mm travel at the rear – an increase of 60 and 40 per cent respectively over the standard model.

Ground clearance is now claimed to be a massive 333mm -- up from 292mm with the optional 35-inch tyre package of the standard Bronco.

Beneath the body, added bash plates and armour have been introduced to protect the underside from rock strikes. Speaking of which, a beefier electric steering rack and new tie-rods have also been introduced.

As standard, the Bronco rides on substantial 218mm-wider front and rear wheel tracks, with wider fender flares needed to accommodate the big increase in width. That makes the Raptor a whole 249mm broader, in total, than the base model.

From launch, two 17-inch bead-lock wheels will be offered, both combined with huge 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tyres.

Exterior upgrades are also plentiful. As well as the new rims and fender flares, there's also a Raptor grille, bonnet, running lamps and bumper, plus the new Code Orange paint option.

Inside, the Code Orange theme continues, while all Raptors come with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, thicker steering wheel and sport seats. An optional Lux pack, meanwhile, adds a B&O sound system and adaptive cruise control.

Other goodies include a low 3.06 gear ratio providing up to 67.7:1 for rock crawling and a new one-pedal driving off-road mode, plus a Tow/Haul setting that allows the Raptor to tug up to 2041kg – 454kg more than standard.

On sale in the US from this March, Ford's first Bronco Raptor will only be available with four doors and has been priced at $US68,500 ($A96,000).

While the Ford Bronco has been ruled out for the Australian market because it's not produced in right-hand drive, the good news is the hard-core Raptor variant will likely donate its circa-300kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 to the new Ranger Raptor super-ute that's due to debut next month.