“You don’t buy a Raptor because you need one — you buy it because you want one.” Let’s be honest: the Ford Ranger Raptor shouldn’t exist. It’s a double-cab bakkie that thinks it’s a rally car — a wild idea that somehow works. My take? The Raptor is a really fun car to drive. It should not be able to move as quickly as it does given its size. And if you want a fun, fast car but still need bakkie functionality, this is exactly what you want. ⚙️ The DNA: What Makes It Believe It’s a Hot Hatch Under the bonnet lives a 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 with 292 kW and 583 Nm — the kind of numbers that make a Hilux blush. TopAuto calls it “one of the most entertaining vehicles you can buy in South Africa … with all the adrenaline of a hot-hatchback bundled into an exceptionally capable off-roader.” “With a bespoke off-road racing suspension, muscular looks and a howling twin-turbo V6, the 2nd-gen Ranger Raptor makes an unequivocal statement.” — Cars.co.za Those FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve shocks aren’t just for show. They allow ridiculous levels of composure whether you’re jumping dunes or pretending to at the robot. You also get switchable exhaust modes (Quiet / Sport / Baja) and a bright red R-button to store your favourite settings. This isn’t a normal workhorse. It’s a mood. 🛣️ On Tar: Does It Really Act Like a Hot Hatch? Here’s where it gets hilarious. Floor it, and the Raptor lunges forward like it’s been insulted. Officially, Ford won’t quote a 0-100 km/h figure — but real tests peg it at around six seconds. That’s Golf GTI territory… in something that can carry a washing machine. Cars.co.za said it best: “There’s no doubt about it – the Raptor’s performance is awe-inspiring … we named it the ‘Dune Destroyer’.” Steering is weighty but predictable, and while it’ll never dart through corners like a Fiesta ST, it holds its line with shocking confidence. On the highway, it feels planted and alive. Tyre roar and wind noise remind you it’s still a truck, but one that’s been to finishing school.

Welcome to the Petrolheads community. If you're new here then feel free to share a post about your love for cars or racing etc. Under the "Our Cars" section feel free to share pics of your cars, or info and specs, especially if you've modified your car. This community is super new, so for now we're just kicking things off, but I'll post updates as they happen, and post some cool new things that we're going to be doing.