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Ford Ranger Raptor gets the full Baja treatment for international Baja 1000 race

 

The modified Ranger Raptor will be run on biofuel and was developed in Australia for the US off-road event 


Ford is demonstrating the abilities of its new Ranger Raptor model by entering it in the famous Baja 1000 race in Southern California. 

Developed in Australia and the USA, the Ranger Raptor was put together by the Kelly Racing team. 

But the big difference with the Baja-spec Ranger Raptor is that it will be powered by Shell-supplied biofuel – a mixture of ethanol and bionaphtha, a product made from organic materials such as used cooking oil and fish fat. 

Ford Ranger Raptor Baja 1000 rear 3/4
The Ford Ranger Raptor ready for the Baja 1000 in California

Ford has not stated whether or not the Baja Ford Ranger Raptor has any more performance than the standard outputs of 292kW/583Nm

The Baja 1000 race kicks off in California on November 18. 

What custom parts has Ford added to make its Baja warrior?

Ford Ranger Raptor Baja 1000 side angle
Ford has tweaked the new Ranger Raptor with help from Kelly Racing

Ford and Kelly Racing have added a low-slung bull bar with integrated LED light bar, side lights, a roof-mounted LED light bar and a reverse-air snorkel to the Ranger Raptor for the Baja 1000 event. 

Ford has also added two additional full-size wheels to fit in the rear tray as well as a Pro Eagle off-road jack. 

Judging by the stickers on the side, Herrod Performance has been involved with the Ford Ranger Raptor Baja special. 

Ford Ranger Raptor Baja 1000 rear view
The rear tray contains two spare tyres along with an off-road jack

Though it’s not confirmed, it’s likely that the twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine has been tweaked. Additional cooling is likely, along with a different tune to suit Shell’s biofuel. 

Ford has not stated if there have been any suspension tweaks. It’s likely the Raptor’s current Fox shock absorbers remain, along with chunky BF Goodrich tyres.