Ford has confirmed that the new Ranger Raptor – described as the toughest and most high-performing version of Europe’s best-selling pick-up – is coming to Europe, as the new model debuted at the Gamescom trade fair, in Cologne, Germany.

Developed by Ford Performance for the enthusiast off-roader, the first-ever Ranger Raptor will go on sale in Europe in mid-2019, powered by a Bi-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 210 bhp and 369 ft lb of torque; and Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The presence delivered by the top Ranger’s imposing dimensions and styling is supported by a Ford Performance chassis optimised for high-speed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.

Ford and Microsoft also today revealed that the new Ranger Raptor will feature in the new Forza Horizon 4 video racing game, giving even more performance driving fans the opportunity to experience the pick-up’s unprecedented capabilities. By launching the new Ford Ranger Raptor at Gamescom – Europe’s biggest event of its kind – Ford became the first manufacturer to launch a new vehicle at the event.

“Forget everything you think you know about pick-ups,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director, Europe. “Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed – a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions.”