Besides the spectacular Ford GT supercar, Ford has also introduced the highly anticipated 2017 F-150 Raptor at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
While the F-150 Raptor might look familiar, Ford said it has reengineered every part of the pick-up truck to make it the toughest, smartest and most capable off-roader. It is also claimed to be the most efficient ever.
“When we created the first Raptor, we set out to prove vehicle performance isn’t just measured on the street or at the track – off-road can be even more fun,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.
“The original Raptor, plus enhancements on the all-new F-150 set the bar for us to make the all-new Raptor better in every way.”
The Raptor’s purpose-built frame is the strongest in the F-150 lineup, thanks to high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy that also helps shave more than 500 pounds (227kg) from the truck’s weight.
The Raptor is 6 inches (152mm) wider than the standard F-150 and boasts its first-ever dual exhaust and new 17-inch wheels shod with BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres specifically designed for off-road performance.
Powering Ford’s most successful pick-up truck is the company’s second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine that produces 441hp (324kW) and 434 lb-ft (588Nm) of torque – more powerful than the current 6.2-litre V8.
It is married to an all-new 10-speed transmission that promises improved efficiency. An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case, with an advanced, easier-to-use version of off-road mode driver-assist technology, further improves Raptor’s trail performance.
A new off-road drive mode technology called the Terrain Management System enables the driver to select modes to optimise driving dynamics to environmental conditions – from snow to mud, sand and more.
Ford says the system changes the calibration of the powertrain, driveline, traction control system, anti-lock brakes and AdvanceTrac stability control system for optimal performance for the chosen conditions. A Torsen front differential is available to increase off-road capability further.
The Ford F-150 Raptor will hit the market in the 3rd quarter of 2016 in the USA.