This is not some hopped-up Ford F-150. It isn’t a Ranger, both. You are wanting on the Ford Raptor T1+, a purebred race truck constructed to beat Dakar. And to Ford’s credit score, it seems to be able to kick some ass.
A piece of that credit score goes to M-Sport LTD. Ford partnered with the rally execs to develop the Raptor T1+, which explains the double-wishbone suspension back and front with over 13 inches of journey. Three-way adjustable Fox coilovers occupy every nook, 4 settings for the dampers. The truck rides on 37-inch tires mounted to 17-inch wheels, behind that are 14-inch brakes with six-piston calipers.
Ford
Ford
Ford
The aim-built spaceframe chassis is made from T45 metal. A carbon fiber physique offsets that mass, giving the Raptor T1+ a curb weight of 4,431 kilos. The design permits for almost 16 inches of floor clearance and a brilliant steep method angle of 70 levels. As for the V-8, Ford does not provide particulars past calling a “5.0-liter Coyote-based engine” with a dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust.
Ford will head to Dakar with the Raptor T1+ and 4 groups to drive it. Two of these groups embody veteran Carlos Sainz Sr. with Lucas Cruz navigating, and Nani Roma paired with Alex Haro. Further groups shall be introduced later.
Ford
Ford
“Taking up such a demanding race like Dakar is a frightening process for all of us at Ford Efficiency, however now we have by no means shirked a problem,” mentioned Mark Rushbrook, world director of Ford Efficiency Motorsports. “To embrace this problem, now we have partnered with the very best on the planet with M-Sport and Pink Bull, and I feel it exhibits how severely we’re taking this undertaking.”
Earlier than reaching Dakar, Ford will take the Raptor T1+ to Baja Hungary in August and Rallye du Maroc in Morocco in early October. The 2024 Dakar Rally kicks off on January 4, however you may see it proper now on the 2024 Goodwood Pageant of Velocity.
