2023 is already just around the corner, and despite the fact that the course of the world seems a bit crooked and the automotive sector is experiencing a profound existential crisis, there is room for hope. Perhaps it is a swan song, or perhaps it is the latest demonstration of his resistance and ingenuity in the face of the advent of environmental regulations and technical restrictions. Be that as it may, 2023 is going to be a great year if you are an off-road lover: Next year three SUVs will hit the market for which it is worth (and a lot) to wait.
ford ranger raptor
We have already tested the new Ford Ranger Raptor, and we have been able to confirm that we are facing one of the most capable, wild and imposing vehicles in the off-road world. The new generation of the Ranger Raptor makes up for the only two shortcomings that its brutal predecessor had. The first is that you can now equip a front differential lock, which it lacked. A mechanical lock that allows you to enter that select club of the 4×4 with triple blockadein which previously there were only the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the Mercedes G-Class.
The appearance of the Ford Ranger Raptor is absolutely brutal.
The other deficiency that it more than makes up for is the relative lack of power it suffered from. Before, the Ranger Raptor had a 2.0 EcoBlue engine in its bowels. A diesel with four cylinders and 213 CV of power, which at the moment of truth, was something fair. Now, with a 250 CV 3.0 V6 diesel and a 3.0 V6 EcoBoost with 292 hp, the Ranger Raptor has power to spare and will be able to fly over terrain at the rates its Baja mode demands. Of course, you have to remember that It has become more expensive, and now it will start at 76,425 euros.
Photos of the Ford Ranger Raptor
ford bronco
Another of the 4×4 releases of the year will be the fantastic Ford Bronco. Originally, the Ford Bronco was an off-roader openly designed for the US market. However, Ford has been able to see that there is a clear demand in Europe for pure SUVs, which are also vehicles with a generous commercial margin. The Ford Bronco that will be marketed in Europe will only be sold in five-door bodiesand can be purchased with four-cylinder 2.3 EcoBoost engines and a 2.7 EcoBoost, the latter with a V-shaped six-cylinder configuration.
In Germany their prices will start at 60,000 euros. In Spain they will be somewhat more expensive because of the Registration Tax.
The Ford Bronco has a chassis of longitudinal members and cross members, and a rear rigid axle. The front axle has independent suspension. Their gearboxes have a reducer, and on versions equipped with Sasquatch package, it has triple locking of differentials, in addition to improved off-road dimensions. The unknown is the arrival, or not, of the Raptor versions to the European continent. With over 400bhp and an outrageous undercarriage, these dinosaur-named tanks are unlikely to ever sell on this side of the pond.
Photos of the Ford Bronco
INEOS Grenadier
Possibly one of the releases of the year, especially relevant not only for being an exciting product, but also for being the first vehicle of a completely new brand. A product of its creators’ passion for off-roading, and the true spiritual successor to the original Land Rover Defender. The INEOS Grenadier combines the right 4×4 ingredients in one package: a design clearly inspired by the original Defender, chassis of longitudinal members and crossmembers, triple blocking of differentials, reduction gear and rigid axles.
It will be a high-priced car: in Spain it will start at 79,980 euros, registered as tourism.
The INEOS Grenadier counts ZF and BMW among its technical partners, being the Bavarian company the supplier of in-line six-cylinder engines, both diesel and gasoline – with respective powers of 249 CV and 286 CV. In principle, it will only be marketed in a five-door body, although a pick-up version could be launched later. Its off-road angles are excellent and its ground clearance is no less than 264mm. Is a solid candidate to win the next Diariomotor 4×4 World Championship.
Photos of the INEOS Grenadier