Dakar-Bound: Insane, Coyote-Powered Ford Raptor T1+ Revealed & Ready to Rally
With almost 14 inches of wheel travel, a Coyote V8 engine, and a high strength steel spaceframe, the Raptor T1+ will conquer any terrain.
If you want to prove to the world that you build the fastest cars, you set lap times around the Nürburgring. If you want to prove to the world that you build the toughest trucks, you send them to compete at the Dakar Rally. It is the most demanding off-road race in the world, and Ford just introduced their newest truck to take it on. The Ford Raptor T1+ was revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is the peak of Raptor design and capability. The truck is the result of a collaboration between Ford Performance and M-Sport. It has an advanced suspension, Coyote V8 power, and a purpose-built design. And that purpose is to tame the toughest rally terrain in the world.
“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world with M-Sport and Red Bull and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project. The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision – we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.” Even better Raptor vehicles? Oh, we can’t wait.
Wheels and Suspension
One look and you can immediately tell that this is no regular F-150 Raptor. But what truly sets it apart? For starters, it is the advanced front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension that was developed in partnership with Fox. The system features “coilover three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers with remote reservoirs outfitting each wheel, ensuring superior handling and durability in extreme conditions.” The truck rides on 8.5-inch by 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch tires. Stopping this rig are 355mm Alcon ventilated discs and six piston monoblock calipers front and rear. The Ford Raptor T1+ has up to 350mm (13.78 inches) of wheel travel.
Power and Strength
The Raptor T1+ is powered by a 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine. No power figures have been provided, but the engine uses a dry-sump oil system. A tuned exhaust is also part of the package. The vehicle itself is made up of a T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fiber body panels. Ground clearance is 400mm (15.75 inches) with a wide stance to improve stability. The truck will have a minimum weight of 4,431 pounds. The approach angle will be at least 70 degrees. For the sake of comparison, a regular F-150 Raptor with 37-inch tires has an approach angle of 33.1 degrees.
Competition Schedule
The Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators. Drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma with navigator Alex Haro have been confirmed. The other two teams will be announced later this year. The truck will first see action at the 2024 Baja Hungary race on August 8-10. Next up is the 2024 Rallye du Maroc October 4-11. Then it is on to the big one. The 2025 Dakar Rally January 4-17, 2025. If you happen to be attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed you can join Ford Performance for a closer look at this new truck. It will be on display at 11 am on July 12, in the Ballroom Paddock.
Images: Ford
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