Hot on the heels of Ford confirming a Ranger Raptor is just around the corner, The Motor Report has learned that the mid-size pickup will be powered by a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine.

Limited details about the engine are known but it is said to be both lighter and more powerful than the 3.2-liter five-cylinder found in a range of current Ford Ranger models. Power figures should comfortably surpass 200 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque.

Grunt from the engine will most likely be sent to all four-wheels thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission Ford co-developed with General Motors.

Initially, rumors indicated that the F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost or an uprated version of the aforementioned five-cylinder would power the Ranger Raptor. However, it is believed that the automaker has opted for a small-capacity diesel to meet its power and fuel-efficiency targets.

Beyond its use of a new engine, the pickup will adopt a custom suspension setup, benefit from an increased ride height, have disc brakes on all four corners and receive a “head-turning exterior” design.

PHOTO GALLERY