SPY PICS: Ford Ranger Raptor breaks cover

Ford is set to release a new Raptor version of its coveted Ranger ute after spy shots uncovered details of a muscular, high-riding off-roader.

Spotted by Automedia snappers, this test mule follows in the wheel tracks of the US-spec Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew, employing a wider track, pumped up guards and a heavy-duty front bash plate.

The vehicle’s styling treatment likewise borrows from the F-150, with what looks to be a black honeycomb front grille bearing the letters ‘FORD’ in place of the regular Ranger’s more subtle Blue Oval logo and horizontal louvres.

The visible changes are likely to be combined with a five-link rear coil rear suspension system that will replace the leaf-spring rear of the regular Ranger underneath. The suspension configuration is set to be shared with Ford’s highly-touted new Bronco SUV due for release in 2019.

In another move for greater on-road performance, the Raptor will employ four-wheel disc brakes for the first time in a Ranger, in a move that mirrors that of Volkswagen with its V6 diesel Amarok.

Even more promising, Australian test mules have been seen powered by an EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that could rapidly boost the performance of the Raptor Ranger compared with the Wildtrak’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel.

However, it remains unknown whether the 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 will be offered solely in the US, where petrol rules the utility market, or extended to Australia, where diesel is more popular.

The added grunt and off-road/on-road finesse is likely to be accompanied by more safety kit, and if fitment of a forward facing radar in the windscreen of test mules is any guide, this will extend to autonomous emergency braking, complementing the Ranger’s already leading suite of safety gear.

The Ranger Raptor is set to debut in 2019. Keep an eye out on motoring.com.au for more details in the coming months.