Ford, along with its long-term World Rally Championship partner, M-Sport, has designed the new Raptor T1+ to conquer the Dakar Rally.
Featuring a celebrity-studded lineup consisting of previous champions Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma, former Audi star Mattias Ekstrom, and promising young driver Mitch Guthrie Jr., the American manufacturer is already viewed as a top contender for the 47th edition of the world’s most demanding rally competition.
Here’s a detailed examination of the technical features of the new Raptor model.
Engine
The Ford Raptor is powered by a Coyote V8 engine that can provide up to 268 kilowatts or 360 horsepower of power.
The motor transmits power to all four wheels, which are 37 inches in diameter and weigh 30 kilograms. Ford has used a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox and controls torque via a limited-slip central differential, which can be adjusted under various conditions.
Suspension
The Raptor boasts a sophisticated independent front and rear suspension system, designed to achieve a remarkable balance between durability and weight reduction. This system utilises a total of eight FOX shock absorbers, four coilovers, four external bypasses, and eight Eibach springs, all working in tandem to enable the necessary 350mm of wheel travel required by the regulations.
Ford has selected a new supplier, FOX, which has previously participated in challenging competitions, such as the Baja 1000 and the King of the Hammers. The double Eibach springs that will be used also offer progressive stiffness, which helps prevent the vehicle from scraping against the suspension stops and ensures a comfortable ride at both high and low speeds.
Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz, Ford F-150 Raptor R.
Photo by: Ford
The external bypass shock absorbers are engineered to withstand the most severe impacts, with five adjustable settings for added control. Furthermore, the damping speeds increase throughout the entire wheel travel, providing drivers with a safe and secure experience even during rough landings.
Aerodynamics
Ford has dedicated considerable resources to enhancing the aerodynamics of the Raptor in order to improve its performance both on straightaways and through corners. Given the vehicle’s substantial weight of 2,010kg, it was essential to prioritize this aspect, pushing the boundaries to the level achieved by Formula 1. The aerodynamics were perfected using a combination of computational fluid dynamics testing and the extensive use of a wind tunnel.
Comfort
Comfort is also a crucial consideration for Dakar vehicles, given the extended periods that drivers spend inside them over a two-week timeframe.
The Raptor is equipped with a built-in air conditioner that drivers can use while traveling in the desert. Roma, a two-time Dakar winner, played a personal role in designing the interior of the Raptor. The seats, pedals, and steering can be fully adjusted to meet the individual requirements of each driver. To achieve this, a 3D scan of Roma was used as a reference to design the cabin.
* Interior Rear legroom: Behind the front row = 44.7 inches
Raptor T1+
Coyote V8
5,000 cc
268 kW [360 hp]
4.855 mm
2,300 mm [maximum]
3,000 mm
2,010 kilograms
Titanium 4-5 steel frame with carbon fibre body panels
Ford Raptor T1+
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool.
The vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive. It has a 6-speed sequential gearbox with an assist and brake (AP) clutch. It also features front, center, and rear limited slip differentials with a mechanical locking mechanism for each.
Double wishbone suspension with two shock absorbers per wheel, consisting of four FOX shock absorbers adjustable in three positions and four bypass shock absorbers adjustable in five positions, along with machined aluminum lower control arms and wishbones.
The tank has a 520-litre capacity and is situated behind the safety cell.
Front and rear 355 millimeter Alcon discs with six-piston monobloc calipers and hydraulic brake pedal
37-inch BFGoodrich KDR3 37×12.50-17
High-ratio power-assisted steering with rack and pinion.
Bosch electronic data system for diagnostic and performance enhancement
