When you think of New York City, sprawling skyscrapers, Broadway lights, and bustling streets might come to mind. But at this year’s New York City Auto Show, Ford brought the spirit of off-roading right into the Big Apple. Among the lineup of impressive off-roaders from Ford was the legendary BroncoRaptor. Pat had the privilege of taking a lap on the off-road course to see what this beast could really do. Here’s his firsthand report on the new Bronco Raptor and its impressive features.
The Off-Road Course
The New York City Auto Show transformed the indoors into a rugged outdoor playground. Complete with steep climbs and obstacles to challenge the capabilities of even the toughest off-roaders. Pat strapped himself into the Bronco Raptor, eager to see how it would handle the course. From the moment the EcoBoost engine roared into lifeit was obvious there’s something special about the Bronco Raptor. The suspension absorbed fast and low speed bumps with ease, the 37in tyres made short work of even the biggest undulations, the Braptor as they’re affectionately known was idling through the track like it was a shopping centre carpark.
Suspension System
One of the standout features of the Bronco Raptor is its high-performance suspension system, specifically engineered for off-road dominance. It’s equipped with a HOSS 4.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system, which includes Fox Live Valve dampers and independent front and live axle suspension.
Pat was particularly impressed with the 13 inches of front wheel travel and 14 inches at the rear, offering superior articulation over rugged terrain. The combination of heavy-duty coil springs and sophisticated damping meant that the Bronco Raptor remained composed and stable even on the most challenging sections of the course.
Wheels and Tyres
The Bronco Raptor rolls on massive 37-inch all-terrain tyres mounted on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. A wheel and tyre package like that is almost un-heard of here in Australia. Even among the modified crowd those are still serious numbers so it was wild seeing them in the flesh, on a production car no less. It’s proof that Ford really gets the off-road market. The package gave the Braptor over 13in of ground clearance so fouling a diff on a wayward rock ledge is something you won’t have to concern yourself with.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet of the Bronco Raptor lies a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine. It cranks out an impressive 311kW and 596Nm of torque. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivered a powerful and responsive driving experience on the off-road course.
Pat was impressed with how effortlessly the Bronco Raptor tackled climbs and obstacles, noting that the low-end torque provided plenty of grunt for crawling over rocks. The combination of turbocharged power and the 4WD system made quick work of every challenge the course threw at it.
Additional Cool Features
Beyond its mechanical prowess, the Bronco Raptor also offers a range of features designed to enhance the off-road experience:
- G.O.A.T. Modes (Go Over Any Terrain): With up to seven selectable modes, including Baja, Rock Crawl, and Mud/Ruts, the Bronco Raptor adapts to any environment.
- Trail Turn Assist: A feature that allows for tighter turns by braking the inside rear wheel, which proved invaluable on the course’s hairpin bends.
- Interior Technology: An all-digital 12-inch instrument cluster and the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system kept Pat informed and entertained. The rugged interior with marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberised flooring made cleaning up after a muddy adventure a breeze.
- Exterior Design: The wider stance, flared fenders, and distinctive Raptor badging set the Bronco Raptor apart, giving it an aggressive yet stylish look.
Conclusion
Overall, Pat found the new Bronco Raptor to be a remarkable machine. It effortlessly blends rugged off-road capabilities with modern technology and comfort. From its sophisticated suspension system to the powerful EcoBoost engine, it’s clear that Ford has pulled out all the stops to create a vehicle that can tackle the wildest trails and turn heads on the streets. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roading enthusiast or someone looking for a new adventure, the Bronco Raptor is poised to impress.
