Ford’s latest Baja-inspired tough truck has been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, the new F-150 Raptor.
Largely unchanged from the concept that was displayed at the 2015 Detroit show, the new Raptor replaces the previous model’s 306kW/588Nm 6.2-litre V8 with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 with identical outputs matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This means that Raptor buyers can boast their new truck is powered by the same engine as Ford’s new GT supercar – sort of.
The increased use to advanced materials, including high-strength steel and ‘military grade’ aluminium alloy, has allowed the Raptor to shed over 200kg to improve performance and handling.
A new torque-on-demand transfer case improves off-road performance, and the Raptor comes with a six-mode Terrain Management System to cover everything from spirited on-road driving to low-speed rock crawling. A Torsen front differential is optionally available to increase traction even further.
FOX Racing Shox remain standard, with Ford claiming the new Raptor improves on its predecessor’s 28.5cm and 30.5cm of suspension travel front and rear respectively. Seventeen-inch wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres.
Ford has expanded the Raptor line-up with the addition of a dual-cab SuperCrew variant. With an extra 30cm in the wheelbase it allows you to load your friends in comfort and then jump them off some dunes. Both models are 15cm wider than a regular F-150.
Ford trucks continue to be a smash hit worldwide, the Blue Oval claiming it sells a truck (or ute in Aussie parlance) every 19 seconds.
Sadly, the Raptor is not slated to appear in Australia, though if you really want one, no doubt any number of conversion specialists will be able to fulfil your request.
