Rowdy Ranger

Engineering company Roush Performance has a go at creating its own version of what the Raptor should be, with a host of performance and visual upgrades. Is it worth the extra tin?

- Andrew Middleton

Founded in 1995, Roush Performance focuses on the improvement of a range of (primarily) Ford vehicles by manufacturing high-performance components for both street and racing applications. Perhaps most famous for their Mustangs, Roush also has a reputation for building mean off-road racing machines by modifying Ford F150 Raptors with a range of gofaster kits from superchargers to suspension systems.

What do we get? 

There are three options available from Roush for the local Ford Ranger platform, including the entirely cosmetic RS1 kit (R145 000) and the 170kW/550Nm RS2 kit (R210 000) which includes cosmetic upgrades. Then, there’s the full-fat RS3, seen here. Stage three brings with it a hybrid turbo upgrade and upgraded intercooler, a duel outlet exhaust, and five-map ECU software. With a brake-and-suspension upgrade courtesy of Australian company Pedders, the Ranger promises to drive as well as it looks.

The cosmetic upgrades are perhaps even more extensive, and include detailing like a full Roush leather interior, floor mats, embroidered headrests and dome badges. The exterior gets all-new, plastic-moulded front and rear bumpers, black alloys, side steps, a sports bar - and a menacing front grille with massive Roush lettering. This car is noticed.