struck like a meteorite when it made its debut for 2010– unexpected, incredible, and also surprising.
It was the initial true high-performance off-road pickup with a factory warranty, a pleased totem of badassery. Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, it in some way made it through both the Baja 1000 desert race and the worst economic faceplant in current record to end up being an accredited essential and commercial success, also if lots of a Raptor never established a wheel off-road. We forecast even more of the same now that a brand-new, lighter system will certainly underpin Ford’s exurban pre-runner. While numerous details are still secured, the second-gen vehicle will launch in fall 2016 as a 2017 design under the brand-new Ford Performance banner. So it’s merely called the F-150 Raptor now. It’s also better engineered as an unique motor vehicle unto itself; Ford has provided it a devoted framework as well as powertrain to choose the special bodywork. ’s brand-new boxed steel structure is enhanced from the typical s and also will come in 2 dimensions: the sportier 133-inch-wheelbase SuperCab as well as the roomier 145-inch SuperCrew. Regardless of the beefier frame, Ford claims that the brand-new truck’s aluminum physical body(in addition to the composite hood as well as front fenders) assists cut 500 extra pounds from its predecessor’s aesthetic weight.
Considering the last Raptor SuperCab we tested weighed 6100 extra pounds, we’re highly in support of the diet plan. No more is there a big, iron-block V-8 under the hood, so that should conserve some weight right there. Yes, folks; the is EcoBoost just and also the very first recipient of a second-generation 3.5-liter V-6 with paired turbochargers as well as direct gas injection. Ford says the high-powered EcoBoost engines it creates for sports-car racing affected a few of the manufacturing V-6’s enhancements, including a brand-new light weight aluminum block and updates to the energy system, cyndrical tube heads, and also internals. To even more boost airflow, the high-output engine breathes out via a true dual-exhaust system with twin electrical outlets notched in the rear bumper. We’ll miss the holler of the aged 6.2-liter V-8, however ’s new turbo six will certainly be much more reliable as well as peacefully overtake the V-8’s 411 horse power and 434 pound-feet of torque. We have no idea yet by just how much, yet trust lots of twist and a minimum of 450 ponies. Mated to the Raptor’s engine will be the first application of Ford’s 10-speed automated transmission and also a new four-wheel-drive transfer case, which will certainly deal with a terrain-mode system to set up the truck for differing problems (mud, snow, rocks, and so on ). Controlled by means of steering-wheel switches as well as a food selection in the collection, the system will customize the attributes of the engine, drivetrain, stability control, and even more to assist weekend warriors obtain one of the most from their Raptors without rolling them down hillsides. Every one of this indicates absolutely nothing off-road, nonetheless, without an appropriate suspension.
New components
New components are extremely durable and also broader compared to previously, with impressive aluminum control arms up front, specially tuned springtimes(coils ahead, fallen leaves in back), as well as 3.0-inch internal-bypass Fox Racing shocks instead of the aged 2.5 s. Ford is coy on details, saying only that suspension traveling is greater compared to the previous vehicle’s 11.2 inches in front as well as 12.1 at the back, which was currently enough for 90-mph blasts via the desert. Part of the previous Raptor’s charm was that it had relatively respectable roadway good manners considering its core mission and giant tires. While the brand-new vehicle will certainly have similar footwear as previously– brand-new 17-inch wheels with 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s– we’re told to anticipate a much smoother, a lot more composed trip. Offered the improvements we’ve currently experienced driving the brand-new , we have no reason to question it. There’s additionally no question that the new Raptor looks the component, all toned and also aficionado in its alloy skin. It’s greater than simply a slab-sided F-150 with fender flares currently; its haunches are a lot more popular compared to the old vehicle’s. They’re concerning as broad as in the past, or approximately as broad as one and also a half Fiat 500s, largely to clear the massive tires and also beefier suspension. The Raptor’s proud”FORD “grille as well as range of marker lights remain, but they’re now mounted in a layout more finessed than the blocky first-gen vehicle’s.
Tiny front as well as rear bumpers boost strategy as well as separation angles, particularly the pinched-up back end, which provides a true desert-racer appearance. The gigantic front skid plate, front fender vents, as well as optional bed decals rollover, yet with advanced layouts. Our first look at a preproduction ’s interior exposed deeply strengthened sport seats in advance with contrasting sewing; some carbon-fiber accents; and also a weighty, contoured steering wheel with big paddle shifters. Expect plenty of”Raptor”logo designs, in addition to higher total comfort and high-end compared to previously, with every one of a modern truck’s alternatives and security equipment. The original Raptor’s successful four-year run made it the highest-volume SVT motor vehicle ever before, with manufacturing virtually maxed out. It opened new markets, consisting of the Middle East and also a number of government agencies. Without discussing quantity specifics, Ford claims all the previous buyers ought to have the ability to upgrade to the new truck, and also that there likely will be manufacturing capacity offered to appease additional brand-new owners. Prices details is in a similar way murky, yet the very first F-150 Raptor’s loved one mobility– concerning 46 marvelous to begin in 2014– was key to its charm.
Do not anticipate a significant jump in price; we expect base trucks will begin about$50,000, as well as loaded SuperCrews can get to 60 large. If so, that will still be an imagine just what you obtain. The Raptor originates from a durable family in the F-150. And also it’s lighter now, so it can fly also farther.