Revolutionizing Off-Roading: Meet Ford's Dakar Dominating Raptor T1+
Prepare to be blown away. Ford has just unveiled its beastly new Raptor T1+ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it's geared up to revolutionize the off-road racing world. This truck is not just another entry into the fast-growing segment of high-performance rally vehicles—it's a statement, a pinnacle of Ford's engineering prowess that aims to dominate the notorious Dakar Rally. Collaborating with the experts at M-Sport, the T1+ has already wowed spectators and industry insiders alike.
V8 Power and Custom Engineering: The Heartbeat of Dominance
Under the hood of this mechanical marvel lies a formidable Coyote-based V8 engine, purpose-built to navigate the most treacherous of terrains with unrelenting power. While Ford has kept the exact power figures under wraps, they've teased us with some tantalizing details. This raucous V8 features a specialized dry-sump oil system and a custom-tuned exhaust, both meticulously crafted to withstand the rigors of Dakar's grueling stages. With such robust engineering, this truck is sure to deliver unparalleled performance.
Visually, the T1+ captures the essence of Ford's iconic design cues, but with a twist. Sporting the signature Ford grille and C-shaped daytime running lights reminiscent of the Ranger Raptor, this rally truck also carries its own distinct flair. Constructed using a T45 steel spaceframe and lightweight carbon fiber body panels, the Raptor T1+ boasts an imposing width of 90.5 inches, ensuring exceptional stability off-road. Its ground clearance is an astounding 15.7 inches, while the approach angle is rated at an incredible 'over 70' degrees. These features combine to create a vehicle that's not just for show but engineered to perform.
Ford Raptor T1++" />Fox Suspension Magic: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
If there's one thing Ford hasn’t skimped on, it's the suspension. Known for its collaboration with Fox, Ford ensures that the T1+ features some of the most advanced suspension technology available. Both front and rear shells are equipped with independent double-wishbone systems. Each corner boasts coilover three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass reservoirs, courtesy of Fox. This level of customization helps the truck effortlessly tackle any obstacle thrown its way, whether it’s a rocky mountain pass or the shifting sands of the desert.
Completing the chassis are 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 37-inch off-road tires, promising both durability and performance. The hefty rubber is supported by Alcon ventilated discs and six-piston monoblock calipers, providing formidable stopping power essential for the high-speed, high-stakes world of rally racing.
Racing Line-Up: Who's Behind the Wheel?
What's a top-tier racing marvel without seasoned professionals to pilot it? For the T1+, Ford has enlisted a star-studded line-up, including rally legends Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma. And it's not just these two; four teams of expert drivers and navigators will be representing Ford in various off-road events. Expect to see the T1+ tear up the terrain soon, with its debut set for the 2024 Baja Hungary in August, followed by an appearance at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc in October.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, encapsulates the spirit of the T1+: “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. Partnering with the best in the world, with M-Sport and Red Bull, shows how seriously we are taking this project. The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision. The lessons we learn from competing with the T1+ will not just stay on the racetrack but will trickle down to make our Raptor line even better for our customers.”
The Ford Raptor T1+ is more than just a rally truck; it's a harbinger of what's to come in off-road vehicle design. From its exceptional V8 engine to its indestructible suspension, this is technology-driven performance at its finest. Could it be the future champion of the 2025 Dakar Rally? Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain: the game has changed.