Ford Ranger Raptor possible

One of the maddest utes in existence is the new Ford F-150 Raptor, a jacked-up, 300kW twin-turbo V6 monster.

And the Ford Ranger could be next in line for a serious workover.

The F-150 Raptor was developed by Ford Performance, the same team behind the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS and Mustang GT350. Formed roughly 12 months ago, Ford Performance has previously confirmed it will develop 12 new models by 2020.

Factor in the above five models and the newly-formed hot shop has seven models to come.

There's no official confirmation at this stage but Paul Seredynski, Ford Performance global communications manager, said a Ford Ranger Raptor "was a fascinating idea" after dismissing several others, including a Ford Fiesta RS.

With a number of new Ford performance models to come by 2020 -- the majority of which will need to be global vehicles -- and the sales potential of North America joining the 180 countries in which the Ranger is already sold by 2019, it could be a profitable option for the Blue Oval to consider.

The initial response of Ford Performance's chief engineer, Tyrone Johnson, to a Ford Ranger Raptor ute was "we don't comment on future product".

But clearly the idea of a beefed-up, bullet-proof Ranger Raptor is one that's not lost on the decision makers at Ford.

"One thing that is true for us, and perhaps less true for others looking at some of the hardware they have: everything we do has to have a solid business case.

"We don't do products that lose money or break even," he said.

This begs the question, would an aggressively styled, top-shelf, go-fast Ranger have global appeal and would it be profitable for the brand? Johnson was evasive but didn't deny that logic of the argument, particularly as Ranger is headed to the US in a few years.

"If it makes money, if there's a business case, then I'm sure the people responsible for it are discussing it," he posited, before offering: "Sure, it could be considered."

Would you be tempted by a pumped-up, more powerful Ford Ranger flagship – potentially powered by a V6 turbo-petrol engine – positioned abover the current $57,890 Wildtrak (pictured)? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.