A performance-oriented Ford Everest Raptor (Ford Endeavour Raptor) is in the news again. This time, Ford's vice president of product development for Asia Pacific, Trevor Worthington, told CarAdvice that such a variant cannot be ruled out at this stage. The executive further hinted that Ford would have to study the customer base first, but added that the "bits are there" should the business case make sense.
Earlier this year, Ford Performance head engineer Jamal Hameedi suggested that a Ford Everest Raptor could be a potential product. However, Hameedi suggested suggested that parts like the rear suspension will require a lot of work in a passenger carrying Everest, as compared to the Ford Ranger pick-up truck. The Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine that develops 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The same engine is available on the facelifted Ford Everest which went on sale in Thailand this month.
Ford could also consider a more off-road focused variant of the Everest, an earlier report stated. A reinforced chassis with increased suspension travel, stronger underbody protection, off-road tyres, and new bumpers to increase the approach and departure angles could be infused on the SUV to make it more off-road focused. This would certainly make a business case for the Blue Oval as fans of the Everest/Endeavour already make such modifications through the aftermarket channel. A factory-fitted variant with the peace-of-mind of manufacturer warranty could see some buyer interest.
Also read: Ford Figo facelift CNG variant spied for the first time
For the Indian market though, Ford's immediate focus will be to launch the facelifted Ford Endeavour (expected this financial year). The SUV is assembled at Ford's Chennai factory from Thai-made CKD kits.
[Source - CarAdvice.com.au]
