The All-New 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: From The Toughest Terrain to Sporty Performance
It’s the new rising star in the world of pickup trucks. The F-150 Raptor is Ford’s first high-performance off-road pickup that secures owners with its factory warranty.
Need proof of what you’re getting? This monster just survived the Baja 1000 desert race, proving its worth and capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike. And did we mention its lightweight body?
For now, what we know about the upcoming model is very limited, as Ford keeps other details secret, yet it is temptingly exciting. But for now, it’s called the F-150 Raptor, sporting a boxed steel-frame design that comes in two sizes: a 133-inch SuperCab for the sporty type and a 145-inch SuperCrew for those who value more space.
And for that lighter body, Ford chooses an aluminium body integrated with the composite hood and front fenders. With the new materials, Ford claims a total weight reduction of about 500 pounds compared with the previous Raptor model. Then comes the EcoBoost 3.5-litre V-6 engine with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. So, gone is the heavier V-8, replaced by this sports-race-influenced V-6, according to Ford.
Not only will the new Raptor get a major engine makeover, but this model will also be the first to feature Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. The new four-wheel-drive transfer case will also closely integrate with the terrain-mode system to help the Raptor adapt to muddy, snowy or rough terrain.
Now, all those features we just mentioned will just be virtually useless for off-road driving if it were not for the Raptor’s stronger and wider aluminium control arms, the tuned springs (coils in front, leafs in back), and 3.0-inch internal-bypass Fox Racing shock absorbers. In other words, it’s all about a very good suspension when it comes to driving on very rough terrain.
A closer look at the 2017 Raptor reveals a posh interior lined with the most detailed stitching, carbon-fibre accents and the beautiful contours of the dashboard, steering wheel and paddle shifters.
On a final thought, the F-150 Raptor is quite a major leap from its predecessor. Surely, we’ll miss the old Raptors’ more powerful engine hum with the new V-6 in the F-150, but when it comes to performance and style, it’s going to be a sure win for this off-road monster.