Listen closely: Ford Europe has released a teaser clip of the next Ranger Raptor being hammered around a rally course.

IS that the sound of a performance V6 we hear?

The latest teaser out of Ford in the ramp up to releasing the new generation Ranger utility is the video featured today, which dedicates to the hot shot Raptor.

The footage is great, but it’s the soundtrack that is specifically raising attention. Everything about the latter suggests the model will be powered by a turbocharged V6 petrol engine, rather than the twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel serving the current model.

That, of course, has fuelled speculation the flagship is taking the same 3.0-litre 298kW unit fitted to Ford’s North America-restricted Bronco Raptor, conceivably married to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel drive system.

The video also seems to support conjecture that this grunty powertrain will be complemented by a thoroughly overhauled chassis and suspension system, which should feature beefed-up dampers, bigger brakes, a taller ride-height and wider axles with stronger differentials.

Spot the new bash plates bolted to the underside – seen when the Raptor is mid-jump in the video.

Britain’s Auto Express has suggested Raptor may also inherit the Bronco’s “Baja Mode” drivetrain setting, which Ford says optimises the suspension, transmission and engine calibrations for maximum off-road performance. The setting even includes an anti-lag function for the turbocharger, which works in a similar way to the system found on rally cars.

All will become clear at 8pm on February 22, when Ford holds a full on the Youtube Premiere channel as well as via Facebook.

Despite the camo wrap, it’s easy to see Raptor’s look being more aggressive than the standard model; different front and rear bumpers, a new bonnet and a new radiator grille likely to have enormous “Ford” lettering. The wheel arches of this prototype are also wider than those on the standard pick-up to account for the wider axles.

Ford NZ has indicated the new Ranger will be on sale from around June, but no word yet on when Raptor comes.