2018 Ford Ranger Raptor release date, specs news: Off-road capabilities teased ahead of Feb. 7 debut

A Ford Ranger Raptor prototype undergoes off-road testing in the Australian outback. Ford

Ford has released a new teaser for the 2018 Range Raptor ahead of the global reveal in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

In the new promotional video, the 2018 Ranger Raptor is seen being tested on different terrains, from the Australian Outback to the Borrego Desert in the United States, as well as being exposed to different elements such as dust, water, mud and sand. The teaser thus demonstrates the upcoming midsize pickup truck

As showcased by the teaser, the upcoming vehicle is able to conquer rugged and extreme conditions due to its off-road capabilities. When the Ranger Raptor was first announced in September 2017, Ford teased that it would deliver off-road performance that has yet to be seen in the midsize pickup truck segment.

Technical specifications for the 2018 Ranger Raptor have not yet been revealed but reports have speculated that the upcoming off-road pickup truck will be built on a T6 ladder chassis.

It will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine but a version with a 3.2-liter turbocharged five-cylinder powertrain may also be offered. The engines will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which Ford codeveloped with General Motors.

The 2018 Ford Ranger Raptor will be released later this year — but only for the Asia-Pacific market. Ford has not mentioned if the off-road pickup truck will be launched in the United States.

In the meantime, U.S. customers can look forward to the arrival of the 2019 Ranger. According to the automaker, the all-new midsize pickup truck's design, chassis and powertrain have been developed specifically for the North American market.

Aside from new features that will allow the midsize pickup truck to conquer both on- and off-road conditions, it will also be equipped with the latest driver-assist technologies that will make driving easier.

The 2019 Ford Ranger will begin production later this year.

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