2022 Ford Bronco Raptor revealed in the US, no closer to Australia

The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor has been revealed in the US as the most hardcore version of Ford's reborn Bronco four-wheel-drive – but it's no closer to Australian showrooms.

Set to go on sale in the US in mid-2022, the new Bronco Raptor is underpinned by a version of the 'T6' platform beneath the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute – yet there are still no plans to bring the Bronco here, with a right-hand-drive version yet to be developed.

While the Ford Bronco Raptor may not be bound for Australian showrooms, it provides our best indication yet about the petrol V6 performance and off-road capabilities of the next Ford Ranger Raptor ute.

The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is due to be unveiled next month and the first showroom arrivals expected before the end of the year.

Under the bonnet of the new Bronco Raptor is the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine as the US-market Ford Explorer ST SUV.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, this engine is slated for the new Ford Ranger Raptor – estimated to develop "more than 298kW", exceeding the 242kW of the standard Bronco's 2.7-litre single-turbo V6 petrol.

The Explorer ST's engine also develops 298kW, as well as 562Nm – though Ford says the Bronco Raptor runs a unique tune "designed [for] higher ambient desert temperatures". It's aided by a dual-exit exhaust system, equipped with active valves and unique pipes for an improved exhaust note.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission and an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, featuring heavy-duty front and rear axles that increase the track width (distance across the axles) by 218mm, a three-mode transfer case, higher-capacity clutch, and 67.7:1 crawl ratio.

The Bronco Raptor's frame has been upgraded with new reinforcements that claim to increase chassis rigidity by 50 per cent.

Under the body, heavy-duty bash plates provide "continuous driveline coverage" from the front bumper to the rear of the engine, transmission and transfer case, Ford says.

In line with other Raptor models in the Ford line-up, the hardcore Bronco Raptor benefits from Fox Racing shock absorbers - namely the latest Live Valve units seen beneath the larger F-150 Raptor, with adaptive damping technology that Ford claims "[monitors] terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and [adjusts] suspension tuning accordingly."

Filling the wheel arches are 17-inch beadlock-style alloy rims, wrapped in Raptor-signature BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres measuring 37 inches (940mm) in diameter – claimed to be the "largest of any production SUV in America", and matching the larger F-150 Raptor pick-up.

Ford quotes 333mm of ground clearance – up 122mm over the standard four-door Bronco, or nearly 60 per cent – along with 330mm of front wheel travel and 356mm at the rear, up 60 and 40 per cent respectively, thanks to redesigned control arms in the suspension system.

As this article was published, there were no specific details on wading depth, approach, departure, or ramp-over angles.

Other mechanical highlights include a new electric power steering rack "influenced by [the] F-150 Raptor", and larger tie rod ends (suspension components).

The Bronco's roster of drive modes – accessible through the 'G.O.A.T' (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system – now includes a Raptor-specific Baja mode, which activates an anti-lag system for the turbochargers "to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs."

Ford says the Bronco Raptor can tow 2041kg (4500lb) in Tow/Haul mode, a claimed 454kg improvement over the standard Bronco.

Matching the Bronco Raptor's uprated off-road capabilities is a visual overhaul, led by a new front fascia with the Raptor line-up's signature 'FORD' grille script, and orange daytime-running lights.

Inflated quarterpanels and wider wheel-arch flares mean the Ford Bronco Raptor is no less than 249mm wider than the standard Bronco, or approximately 2250mm – meaning it now requires three orange lights across its grille, mandatory on US-market vehicles wider than 2032mm (80 inches).

A new heavy-duty steel front bumper features – with tow hooks, removable end caps for an improved approach angle, and LED fog lights – plus a vented bonnet (made from sheet-moulding compound) with Raptor badging, body-coloured wheel arch vents, and reinforced side rock rails.

Buyers can choose from nine colours – including an exclusive Code Orange colour, seen on the larger F-150 Raptor – or option a Bronco Raptor Graphics Package, which includes "new splatter graphics on the rear bodysides and [bonnet]", Ford says.

Inside, upgrades specific to the Bronco Raptor include new sports seats trimmed in leather and suede in flagship models (or vinyl in base variants), a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, magnesium shift paddles, and a fully-digital 12-inch digital instrument cluster with a Raptor-only Performance View.

The Code Orange accent colour adorns the 'GOAT' drive mode selector, air vents, door nets, contrast stitching, engine start button, dashboard badging and even the seat belts (as an option). Carbon-fibre accents are applied to the grab handles, lower steering wheel spoke and gear selector.

Flagship Bronco Raptor models are equipped with a 12-inch Sync 4 infotainment touchscreen with voice recognition, a 360-degree camera, 10-speaker B&O sound system, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor will go on sale in the US in the northern summer (March to May 2022), with order books to open in March.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, however rumours suggest a figure close to or in excess of $US60,000 ($AU85,000) – a $US10,000-plus ($AU14,000) premium over the current range-topping four-door Bronco, the Wildtrak.

While the Bronco Raptor isn't yet bound for Australian showrooms, its engine, transmission and many of its suspension components are expected to be offered in the new Ford Ranger Raptor ute, due to be unveiled next month – ahead of the first Australian showroom arrivals in late 2022.