Blink, and a new Ford Ranger rolls out of the factory. We've been introduced to the Thunder, the Wildtrak, and its upgrade, the Stormtrak. Then there's the XLT and, more recently, the Raptor. While you're reading this, the team in Silverton is putting the finishing touches on the latest Ranger, the Next-Generation, which will be available soon.
Maybe too soon? Everyone is still swooning over the Raptor's off-road capabilities and handsome appearance. But the bigwigs at Ford know this all too well, and that's why the even-more-macho Raptor Special Edition (SE) is now on showroom floors. Which makes me wonder: Are there people in a market so niche who will buy this model, rather than its predecessor?
The SE has the same reinforced ladder frame chassis as the original Raptor, the same 2-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, and the same 10-speed automatic transmission... So, what's the fuss about? Well, they've made some cosmetic adjustments: Two wide, black-and-red racing stripes run from the bonnet to the tailgate and along the flanks of the bakkie, creating an impression of speed and power and will make heads turn. The already imposing Raptor is now a windgat!
The SE is only available in four colors, each with black-and-red accents. They look like birds of prey: Agate Black is a bateleur; Conquer Grey reminds me of a pale chanting goshawk; Frozen White must be a palm-nut vulture... But Performance Blue had me scratching my head. That particular colorway is for the bakkie driver who has the self-confidence to be seen in something as vibrant as a... woodland kingfisher!
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