2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

November 28, 2023 by JT in Automotive Reviews

Coming to America: The All-New 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is Ready to Dominate in the Dirt! 

The all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor®, the most powerful and high-performance, off-road capable Ranger ever, is designed and engineered by Ford Performance to take off-road capability to the next level among midsize trucks.
Built to take on challenging dunes, Raptor’s long travel suspension, including a Watts link rear suspension and class-exclusive 2.5-inch FOX™ Live Valve shocks*, gives you everything you need to chase down the horizon.
Unique Ranger Raptor 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 generates best-in-class 405 horsepower** and 430 pound-feet of torque paired with an advanced four-wheel drive system, a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials for improved off-road traction.
Race-proven in the Baja 1000, Ranger Raptor expands the Raptor family of high-performance vehicles, including F-150 Raptor®, F-150 Raptor R, and Bronco Raptor®.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 10, 2023 – The wait is over; the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is coming to North America. Raptor is based on a proven legacy of performance and built with uncompromised suspension design, power, purposeful technology, and rugged styling. Ranger Raptor is fully prepared to take on the most demanding terrain its extreme adventure-seeking customers can find. 

“Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for. It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology that’s designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made.”

Confident Suspension, Purposeful Tech
The heart of every Raptor is its suspension. Ranger Raptor starts with a purpose-built suspension that includes lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms and a long-travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage and trailing arms for control and confidence in off-road conditions.

Ranger Raptor’s next-generation FOX™ 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear to reduce heat build-up for uninterrupted performance all day long. 

Ranger Raptor is built on a beefy foundation, taking Ranger’s fully boxed frame up a notch by reinforcing the front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, suspension mounting points, and other key areas so Ranger Raptor can handle more punishing off-road conditions.***

The FOX™ Live Valve Internal Bypass system changes damping performance based on Ranger Raptor’s Drive Modes. The modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja, all developed to provide better on-road comfort, off-road control, capability, and ride quality at high and low speeds.

Each selectable drive mode appropriately adjusts the tuning of the engine, transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, steering, throttle response, and even the instrument cluster and touchscreen look and information. The active valve exhaust system can also be tuned to several modes including Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja settings. Ranger Raptor also comes with Trail Control™ so drivers can navigate tricky spots while the truck manages the throttle and brakes.

Powertrain Fit for a Class of One
An amazing suspension deserves to be backed by a matching level of power. The Ford Performance tuned twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 produces 430 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class maximum available 405 horsepower,** the most powerful Ranger ever built for increased performance on gravel, dirt, mud, and sand.

Beginning with a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, the engine utilizes a race-bred anti-turbo-lag system to enable boost on demand in Baja mode. It keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, so acceleration is there while exiting corners. Bolted to that EcoBoost engine is a class-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission* mated to an advanced four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials.

Designed for Purpose
Each Ranger Raptor design element has a purpose. Confident, modern styling starts with LED projector headlights to light up the night flanked by C-clamp signature lighting. Bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille sits above an all-steel bumper with integrated, frame-mounted front and rear tow hooks and LED taillights that provide a signature C-clamp link to the front. Flared fenders with functional fender vents house aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO3® tires on 17-inch wheels that can be mounted to optional beadlock capable wheels with available bead locks for running extra low tire pressures in sand and rocky conditions. Ranger Raptor also sports serious underbody protection. The thick front bash plate is made of high-strength steel and is complemented by the dedicated engine, transfer case, and fuel tank shields.

The Raptor’s cab is built for performance, with a sport steering wheel including cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters for quick transmission control and a signature Raptor centering mark in a Code Orange color. Six overhead upfitter switches mounted in the overhead console simplify powering off-road hardware. Unique Ford Performance front seats are supportive, with extra bolstering to hold drivers in place during high-speed cornering. The rest of the cab includes premium materials trimmed in Code Orange.

Ranger Raptor connects the driver to adventure with features like a 360-degree Camera and Front View Camera to assist in off-roading, Zone Lighting to light up the night in remote locations, and class-exclusive* Pro Trailer Backup Assist† to help back up boats and campers at the kinds of remote locations Raptors are built to reach. Even far out there, drivers want to be informed and connected, so Raptor comes with a high-resolution 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch center touchscreen running SYNC® 4A, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ wireless smartphone connectivity††. Finally, if the active exhaust doesn’t provide enough auditory stimulation, there’s a Bang & Olufsen® sound system to pump out your favorite soundtracks.

The Ford Raptor family spans across its truck and SUV portfolio. F-150 Raptor, F-150 Raptor R, Bronco Raptor, and now Ranger Raptor are all built for the passionate performance enthusiast who wants a truck to tackle their biggest adventures. A pre-production 2023 Ranger Raptor even proved its mettle by winning the stock midclass category of the Baja 1000, completing the course in 26 hours and 21 minutes. And then it drove home, almost 200 miles from the finish line to California.

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor will be proudly assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan††† with orders beginning later this month and availability in the first quarter of 2024. Visit Ford.com/RangerReady for more details and information.

*Class is Midsize Pickups

**Max. 405 horsepower based on 3.0L EcoBoost® engine. Class is Midsize Pickups. Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be
achieved simultaneously.

*** Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

†Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

††Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC® 4A does not control 3rd party products while in use. 3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

†††Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts.

Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC

2023 Toyota Sienna Long Term Drive & Review

April 15, 2023 by JT

For Spring Break this year, we opted for the mid-size, smaller SUV rental. The kids don’t have as much junk, we don’t need to haul beds, and best of all they all face front with their child seats. We started the trip out with a Ford Edge; very well equipped with leather and various options. Keep in mind, I got this car from a local rental car agency and then pack it to make the long drive south. Before I got home, I couldn’t even handle the smell - smoke.

The Edge basically felt ruined and I’m not even sure you can remove the smell of smoke fully. This resulted in a big problem; the agency was closed and I had no options late at night, since I picked up right at close. I was sent to the airport, which was the next closest spot to exchange the car. The counter worker wasn’t exactly helpful, but she begrudgingly gave us what she had that was comparable - a 2023 Toyota Sienna. From this point on, I wasn’t unhappy and felt this was a nice compromise by them.

The Sienna, like all minivans, is exactly what most parents need. In my case, it’s never what I want though. The low-slung entry, power doors, legroom for everyone, and enough storage to haul bikes on vacation in the vehicle, which we did!

The driving experience was what you would expect. The Sienna has a slight advantage with driving modes and even an EV Mode. From my understanding, it works more like a hybrid system and could drive on electric at low speeds for a limited amount of distance. The system would recharge as we braked, similar to a Prius. We were averaging around 29-31mpg throughout the trip on the highway which was very good when you consider minivans are not fuel sippers. I did experience while driving my first ‘fishtail’ in a minivan around an off-ramp. Too much speed, a little bit of wet pavement, and a sharp off-ramp resulted in me almost crunching the thing on day one. It caught me by surprise and I used my 17 year old driving skills to remedy the situation.

As far as the interior on this hauler, it didn’t do anything that blew my mind I’ll say. The front seats allowed you to remove a middle section to create a fake captain chair setup, but it left a disgustingly dirty piece of plastic down on the floor. We decided to leave the center section installed. The back seat folded down flat and allowed us to pile in whatever we wanted for the week. One interested feature, was this shelf like setup on the front dashboard. While very handy for junk on a road trip, things did tend to slide here and there. Overall though, for our needs and the needs of this trip, the interior was doing what it meant to do…

We put almost 3,000 miles on the vehicle over the course of the week and as I have always thought, a minivan is so practical for family stuff. Nobody usually wants to admit they want one, me included, but once you finally use one for what it is meant for, you will find the convenience and function exactly what you need. The Sienna didn’t do anything that was overly spectacular and it doesn’t have the buzz like the newish Carnival, but overall it would be a fine choice if you are in the market for a van.

2010 Chevrolet HHR SS

October 01, 2021 by JT

Over the years, a number of new vehicles have come out that have me intrigued. For many of you that have been on the journey with me the past six years, you’ve seen my car selections change for a variety of reasons. This year, I realized I wanted something that made sense. Commuting to my job each day requires about 25 miles each way. It isn’t an awful drive, but I at times I wonder why am I driving such a big, gas drinking SUV like my Trailblazer SS.

When I mentally committed to picking something up that would be better on gas, I had about five options in my head. I began searching for the following, for various purposes and reasons.

Chevrolet Bolt - Going electric always has intrigued me and I could charge at work.
Mini Cooper - This thing was a blast when my wife owned one and I know what to look for now.
Chevrolet Sonic - Great deals, four doors, turbo and solid mpg. Another winner
Chevrolet Spark - Surprisingly cheap brand new and I would just drive it until it dies.
HHR SS - Functional, unique, and lots of aftermarket support. Plus it has an LNF

As I was searching, each had their positives and even negatives. The Bolt and Spark were quickly pulled from the running due to availability, pricing, and also just me not wanting to commit to a brand new car. We were down to the Sonic, Mini, and HHR. I wasn’t fully committed to either of these, one way or another unless the perfect one came to be.

I joined an HHR SS owners group and asked - Who has one of these for sale that is clean, low miles, and preferably stock. That is one thing I hate it dealing with other people’s modifications. A few people responded but a particular one in Florida caught my eye. I’ll let you watch my introductory video now to get an idea of this particular HHR

So as you can see, I went with the HHR. I’ve owned this about a month now and I have to say; I am blown away. You have to realize what you are getting into with something like this. First off, you have all the utility and space of the HHR. This includes room for four, strollers, groceries and whatever else we can fit. Perfect for my family of four.

Second, this isn’t an LS powered hatchback. This is an LNF turbo four cylinder that puts out around 240ish horsepower with the automatic. The HHR SS is a complete package of weirdness that I absolutely love driving. It doesn’t attract attention, it has solid mpg, and is unique enough where I won’t be driving around a boring cookie cutter of a car.

The plans for this are in order, but for the most part I just want to enjoy this, commute in it, and make it last. So what do you think? Are you a fan of these? Why or why not? The biggest negative anybody has told me is they hate the way it looks. I’m not going to lie - it’s not a beauty queen and you won’t see it at a concours car show. Either way, it’s been tons of fun and I am thrilled to be able to share this car with you on the page here and my YouTube channel.

2020 Ford Mustang GT500

August 01, 2020 by JT

So this is it. The fastest Mustang ever made. Ford reached out about this event, which had been cancelled all over due to COVID-19. My schedule was pretty empty for events and test drives recently - this was the treat we needed for 2020.

There has been a million and a half articles, reviews and opinions on this car. I won’t even get into the specs, basically - just google. This car has been filling up the socials and headlines since it was announced. I will say though, a Mustang that costs this much? How good could it really be?

We headed to Chicago the day before, so we were not late or stuck in Ohio Turnpike garbage. I had thoughts about taking the Z06 again from my father, but we opted for his Trailblazer SS. A perfect vehicle for an eco run…

I wasn’t sure really what to expect, seriously. Everything has been shuttered for so long and I really haven’t done much of anything due to the pandemic. So we were a bit worried. Ford made sure to reach out and tell us what was to be expected: masks, sanitizing, cleaning, distancing and more. They really made a huge effort to encourage us to come and also enhance their cleaning. Also, the event is mostly outside - which was great because the weather was insanely good according to the forecast.

The size of this event was something to be seen, which is below in the video. There were multiple stations, tech demonstrations and Q&A panels. Ford and the event organizers really wanted to convey that this just isn’t another blower thrown onto a GT.

The video below speaks for itself, but I want to convey that the 4-5 laps I took in the car weren’t enough. I am in no position to purchase this car, nor had I ever wanted to drop the cost of a house on a Mustang. By the end though, they really had me thinking about it. Obviously, this isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but that is saying something. This Mustang literally does it all and then some. Track days, family hauling, drag strip, tech…. I mean seriously. The GT500 is an absolute madman you have to experience. I hope the video I put together gives you a small taste of this car. Enjoy!

The New Mustang Mach 1

June 30, 2020 by JT

Recently, Ford has been doing lots of things right in my opinion, especially from my enthusiast perspective. The Focus RS was a blast, everybody seems to want a Raptor and the Mustang models have been killer. I became a believer twice now with Mustang - I drove the Bullitt a little while back and I also had a pretty zippy turbo Mustang on rental down in Florida.

The game has changed again, twice! The Shelby GT-500 has been released and the Mach 1 is coming soon as well. Similar to the Bullitt, Ford pulls from the parts bin to make the Mach 1 happen. Some GT-350 pieces here and there, a little bit of retro styling thrown in and after 17 years, the Mach 1 returns. For me, you just can’t hate on a Mustang - they are so simple, practical and also just do what you expect them to do. I will say though, that white one above had some moves but it really didn’t sound right. Whenever I start a Mustang, I expect the signature Ford V8 rumble.

Either way, they continue to push the options to buyers and I love that. Keep it up Ford - I’ll see you in a week to drive the GT-500….. My excitement level is at 11.