All things Raptor
Since Ford debuted the high-speed F150 SVT Raptor, there’s been a strange cult of off-road car fandom. It’s called the Raptor Effect. Since the factory-built offroader with macho looks and long-travel suspension hit the streets, there has been a steady stream of what if Raptors that have applied to a variety of Blue Oval products.
It’s difficult to believe that after 10 years there is still only one official Raptor in America. The Ford Authority believes there is room for another Raptor, so they created a series of renderings that depict the Explorer in a Raptor protégé. It’s great fun to catch air on forest trails with just a few passengers. But it’s even more fun with children screaming in delight (or terror) from the third row.
We believe that an Explorer Raptor could fill this role more as an aesthetic. This rendering is in line with the requirements for creating a Raptor. It features a black grille with FORD letters embossed larger-than-life, black bumpers front-and rear, black trim for rocker panels and fenders, and big off-road tires. There’s also a slight suspension lift and a skid plate at the front. This is where we think this is primarily an aesthetic upgrade, as seven-seat SUVs tend to be a bit heavy when they add height.
Two questions arise from this latest Raptor creation. It begs the question: Would Ford ever build it? And would anyone want one? Although we would bet a gazillion that Ford has substantial resources to answer the second question, our gut response is that there would be at least some people interested in a more rugged-looking Explorer. Ford hasn’t yet offered it, but that suggests it won’t happen. This is especially true for the new Bronco, which will be available in less than a month and will be primarily an SUV dedicated to off-roading.
It’s still a great idea. Ford Authority has some renderings that show how the Explorer Raptor could look from different angles and in different colors.