3rd Generation Ford F-150 Raptor Shown For The First Time
Based on the 14th generation Ford F-150, this new full-sized F-150 Raptor pick-up improves on its predecessor without rocking the boat.
The ‘Raptor’ name has become synonymous with performance-oriented pick-up trucks from the Ford brand. Today, the Ford Ranger Raptor is one of the most sought after and capable trucks in the market. But its older, larger sibling, the F-150 was where the Raptor journey began. The first F-150 SVT Raptor was released in 2010 and based on an extensively modified 12th generation F-150. In 2017, a new F-150 Raptor was born, based on the 13th generation F-150. This time, Ford did not offer a V8 option, but it introduced a 10-speed automatic, and reducing 100s of kg of weight by using more aluminium in its construction (like the base F-150 of this generation). Now we have an all-new F-150 Raptor based on the all-new 14th generation F-150.
Like the previous model, there is only a 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 option, but this EcoBoost engine is now in its 3rd generation and has seen much improvement. Performance figures were not shared, but we know it has new engine management software. Paired to the same 10-speed conventional automatic gearbox as before, the new F-150 Raptor can deliver well over 800km or mileage on just a single tank of petrol.
An electronic locking rear differential is standard, but a TORSEN® front limited-slip differential is optional. Max payload and towing have gone up has gone up by 90+kg. Ford has continued to construct the F-150 Raptor out of aluminium and composite body panels for weight savings with a steel frame for rigidity.
What’s all-new in this whole set-up is the new equal-length exhaust system, which has something called a ‘Trombone Loop’ and active valves. This allows the driver to select four distinct exhaust note profiles, “Quiet”, “Normal”, “Sport” and “Baja”.
Other very notable improvements come to the suspension system. There’s an all-new 5-link rear suspension with extra long trailing arms, a panhard rod, 24″ coil springs, new FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks (larger diameter shock bodies, and position-sensitive damping adjustability), as well as electronically-controlled base valves. The new F-150 can be optioned with up to 37″ tyres, the largest of their kind in a full-size pickup truck.
The new Ford F-150 Raptor has 33.1 degrees of approach angle, a maximum 24.9 degrees of departure angle and a 24.4 degree break over angle.
The Pro Power Onboard features allow customers to use their truck as a 2kW mobile generator.
Other improvements to the cabin build quality and feature set make the F-150 Raptor even more usable as a daily driver.
Ford has also indicated a more performance-oriented V8 model for 2022 called the Raptor R.
PRESS RELEASE
The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor debuts a high-tech cockpit built for a commanding view in comfort and style. A new standard and customizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area with Raptor-specific graphics and animations, off-road data and turn-by-turn navigation. A customizable new 12-inch center screen is standard, allowing owners to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features.
Over-the-air updates offer the potential for an even smarter Raptor with more capabilities in the future; possible upgrades like trail maps plus Trail Turn Assist could add even more off-road capability. Customers can control their Raptor with FordPass – a mobile app that can lock or unlock their vehicle from almost anywhere, check tire pressure and fuel level, and allow control of new truck-focused features like Zone Lighting, Trailer Theft Alert, Trailer Light Check and available Pro Power Onboard. Over-the-air updates could evolve FordPass to include unique functionality for trips into the wild.
The Terrain Management System’s seven selectable drive modes allow customers to choose the setting best suited to driving conditions, including Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off-Road, Baja and Rock Crawl. Drive modes adjust steering feel, transfer case behavior, stability control, active valve exhaust, active damping system, throttle mapping and transmission shift points, as well as the display on the digital gauge cluster.
The available 360-degree camera package provides an in-cabin view of obstacles around the truck, with the front view offering a real-time tire track overlay to dynamically show the path of the wheels ahead to reduce the need to stop for spotter guidance. A convenient dash-mounted hard button calls up the 360-degree view and rearview cameras.
Standard Trail 1-Pedal Drive helps make extreme off-road driving like rock crawling easier. In harsh trail situations, a driver typically must use both pedals, modulating throttle and brake simultaneously to advance the truck. Trail 1-Pedal Drive simplifies all that, combining those operations into activating just the throttle – press to move forward, release to brake. The truck applies the brakes proportionally as the driver lifts from the accelerator.
F-150 Raptor also comes with standard Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road use. Drivers simply select a set speed and the truck manages throttle and braking to allow them to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.
Standard SYNC® 4 includes more natural voice control as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand. Customers can wirelessly connect smartphones without a USB cord for seamless integration of Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as SYNC AppLink® apps like Ford+Alexa. The soundtrack to every adventure is provided by an available 18-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen.
An all-new interior features enhanced materials, unique surface finishes and more storage. A new steering wheel features a laser-etched logo, top centering mark and aluminum paddle shifters. Seats with large bolsters keep occupants in place, while even more aggressive Recaro® buckets are available. Standard aluminum or available carbon fiber interior packages trim the doors, instrument panel and center console. Lockable, fold-flat rear storage is available, adding a vault under the rear seats for stashing recovery ropes or high-lift jacks to aid in recoveries or repairs when others need help along the way.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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