The 2018 Ford Ranger Raptor Is Here And It Can Jump

Last week Ford confirmed that it’s building a hardcore off-roading Raptor version of the new Ranger small truck for 2018. The company’s Australian division posted a video of a camouflaged Ranger Raptor test mule flying through the desert and hitting jumps when they announced the release. The automaker hasn’t revealed any specs or performance figures as of yet, but from what the video shows, it looks like the Ranger Raptor will have a suspension similar to the F-150’s Raptor, along with more aggressive tires but the powertrain remains a mystery. Road and Track report the Ranger Raptor will debut in production sometime in 2018.

This week on PowerNation Katie welcomes Rodney Beasley, owner of Designer Street Rods and two of his builds. First is a 1937 Ford truck owned by Bill Bowen. In a 4 year build, Rodney’s team did a lot of rust repair, built a custom chassis, dropped in a 392 Ford Stroker making 430 horsepower and gave the pickup a very classy Oak wood bed floor. They sprayed it with a custom PPG metallic almost Green color with a custom leather interior by Paul Atkins.

The second is a 1957 Chevy Bel Air owned by his father Ray. Again the team did some rust repair, dropped in 350 LT-1 making 425 horsepower and gave it a cool paint treatment. It looks like Black, but it’s Valspar’s “Deep Blue Black”. It too has a custom leather interior by Paul Atkins. Lots to take in this weekend including some great hands-on tech from our shops. See you this weekend PowerNation!