Ford Ranger Raptor ready to rip in for NSW police! High-performance 4x4 ute a candidate for on- and off-road police duty

Sources inside Ford Australia have confirmed to CarsGuide that NSW Police Traffic & Highway Patrol Command has expressed interest in the Ranger Raptor, and is in the early stages of assessing the high-performance 4x4 ute for a range of duties.

CarsGuide understands “low-level conversations” between Ford's Business Fleet division and NSW Police have already taken place, with more serious discussions about to begin.

Not intended for traditional pursuit work (the Raptor is limited to a maximum speed of 180km/h), it's more likely to serve as a multi-purpose, off-highway capable unit.

Part of the Ford Performance stable, the Ranger Raptor is powered by a (292kW/583Nm) 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine driving all four wheels through a 10-speed auto transmission, with electronically lockable differentials on the front and rear axles.

And the high-riding Raptor's specifically tuned suspension would make it the perfect tool for off-road operations.

Fox 2.5-inch 'Live Valve' internal bypass shock absorbers are able to adjust electronically up to 500 times a second, helping it quickly and confidently traverse even the most daunting bush tracks and trails.

The Raptor's 17-inch alloy rims are shod with BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres (17-inch beadlock capable wheels are an option), and this big five-seater is able to tow a 2500kg braked trailer.

Interestingly, NSW Police Marine Command is already using the 5.7-litre Hemi V8-powered RAM 1500, with its 4.5-tonne (braked) towing capacity a primary consideration.

Further enhancing its off-road credentials, the Ranger Raptor boasts 272mm of ground clearance, an 850mm wading depth, an approach angle of 32.5 degrees, ramp over of 24 degrees, and a departure angle of 27 degrees (24 degrees with towbar).

Heavy-duty brakes (ventilated rotors all around, and twin-piston calipers up front), extensive underbody protection, Matrix LED headlights, tow hooks front and rear, plus seven selectable drive modes would also be big pluses for a multi-purpose law enforcement role.

Standard safety will be high on the police priority list and the Ranger Raptor features high- and low- speed front auto emergency braking (AEB) (with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection), rear AEB, adaptive cruise control (with speed sign recognition), lane departure alert and lane keep assist, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and nine airbags.

The NSW Traffic & Highway Patrol Command covers operations including traffic policy, development, enforcement, education and road trauma. It also oversees evaluation of all new technology associated with traffic law enforcement, including identifying and deciding on major acquisitions.