Ford Ranger Raptor driver training plan

The seismic lift in performance of the second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor off-road super-ute has prompted the Blue Oval brand to consider driver training for buyers.

On sale in July, the new Aussie-developed Raptor trades in its predecessor’s 157kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine for a fiery 292kW twin-turbo petrol V6, cuts its on-gravel 0-100km/h time from the 10-second bracket into the fives and upgrades its suspension with driver-adjustable Fox ‘Live Valve’ shocks.

The new Ranger range-topper is a full minute quicker around an off-road test course in South Australia than its predecessor and Ford Performance engineers describe its capabilities as “crushing”

But get it wrong at the speeds the new Raptor is capable of and the results could also be crushing – in a less pleasant way.

“In the US we have a Ford Performance school where people who buy a vehicle can go, whether that’s an on-road or off-road vehicle,” said Ian Foston, chief engineer of the T6 family of vehicles, which includes the Raptor, Ranger, Everest and Bronco.

“That helps them understand the capabilities of the vehicle and how to use it and get the best out of it.

“That’s something we have been talking about… what can we do to help educate customers about the capabilities of the car and the safest way to use it.

“We have been investigating that, but we haven’t got any firm plans as yet. But we are talking about how we can do something in other parts of the world apart from the US.”

Ford Australia has a pilot customer-experience 4x4 skills program underway, with sessions in eastcoast Australian cities already held. However, they aren’t focussed on high-performance driving.

“That’s more about Ranger generally,” said Foston.

Ranger Raptor ownership also includes membership of the Ford Performance Club. Mustang, Fiesta ST and Focus ST buyers are also eligible. Benefits include ride days with Ford Supercar teams.

Considering the capability of the new Raptor, off-road ride days with skilled drivers would make sense and could be a huge eye-opener for most owners.

The reality is the new Raptor’s greater capability will be largely untapped by the vast bulk of owners most – if not all – the time. Its significantly increased power will be exercised launching from traffic lights and towing jet skis, and its suspension will conquer plenty of city speed bumps.

“But let’s hope people do more than that with Raptor,” said Foston.

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