Ford has given the new generation of the F-150 the Raptor treatment. The results are impressive; a pick-up that has to be able to eat rough terrain with skin and hair.
With the outgoing Ford F-150 Raptor, fans got a little bit disappointed in a way. Although that was a wonderfully rough pick-up and it was stronger than the previous generation, the V8 so beloved in America had to leave the field. Instead, Ford screwed in a V6 that with its 450 hp was stronger than the V8 from before. It was secretly hoped that the new F-150 Raptor would get a V8 again, but that did not happen. The 3.5 V6 is undoubtedly a step stronger, although Ford is still under the cap how strong exactly. The V6 sends its powers in the Raptor at least via a ten-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Optionally, the power distribution is via a Torsen limited slip differential.
It goes without saying that the Raptor is not to be missed as the top F-150. The front appearance is largely determined by an enormous grille with the brand name written in large letters on it. The F-150, which is higher on its whopping 37-inch wheels, also has some ‘pulled up’ bodywork at the front, side and rear to further increase the ground clearance. According to Ford, with the 37-inch wheels there is a thick 30 cm of clearance in the wheel arches and with the smaller 35-inch wheels even 35 cm at the front and 38 cm at the rear. Handy if you want to climb over sturdy obstacles. Various skid plates must ensure that the vulnerable parts are protected against splashing stones. Longer travel and Fox Racing electronically adjustable shocks also keep the F-150 away from the ground as much as possible.
Of course there are again various driving modes to make the Raptor as versatile as possible a crack monster. Those who like to let loose in a desert-like area with all the space – yes, you have that in the US – can use the Baja mode again. This allows the Raptor to get up to speed as optimally as possible on sandy soil. In addition, you have, among other things, a mode that allows you to ‘crawl’ over rocky surfaces, but also a mode that the Raptor has to tame for use on public roads. If you want to use the F-150 Raptor as a pack mule, you can now take more than 630 kilos with you. The maximum towing weight of 3,719 kilos is also impressive.
We are curious what performance figures the F-150 Raptor can further achieve, we will undoubtedly hear more about that soon. It is also not yet known what the F-150 Raptor will cost in the US. You obviously don’t have to wait for a Dutch price, we won’t get it.