Truck Trend: 2017 Ford F-150 raptor Features BFGoodrich T/A KO2 Tires

Source: Truck Trend

The Ford F-150 Raptor needs no introduction in the truck enthusiast community. Since the debut of the first-generation model in 2010, the Raptor has been synonymous with the ultimate in factory off-road performance. In developing the second-generation model, Ford knew it had some big shoes to fill. By all indications, the second-generation truck will top the original in almost every category. Speaking of shoes, Ford was sure not to neglect one of the most critical performance items on an off-road truck: its tires. 

Working in collaboration with BFGoodrich engineers, Ford selected the T/A K02 all-terrain tire for the new Raptor. This specific fitment features an optimized tread pattern, greater tread area than the tires on the first-generation Raptor, larger sidewall lugs, and steel and nylon belts to improve compliance and comfort on-road. Ford knows we’re suckers for action footage of trucks romping around in the sand or mud and naturally obliged us with this minute-long clip.

We know the new Raptor will be the lightest, most powerful, and most capable yet. The traditionalists may bemoan the transition from large-displacement, naturally aspirated V-8 power to turbocharged, EcoBoost V-6 power. However, we expect the boosted six to deliver performance in spades. We can’t wait to get our hands on Ford’s new off-road hero.

CNN: Ford to Sell Made-In-USA Raptor in China

Source: CNN

Starting next year, Ford will sell a redesigned version of the Raptor pickup in China, the company announced Friday. 

It will become the first version of Ford's full-sized truck-- the most popular passenger vehicle in the United States -- to be available in China. 

The new Raptor is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces more than 411 horsepower. It is a high-performance version of the F-150 pickup. It's modeled after desert racing trucks. 

"By introducing it to the world's largest auto market, we hope to inspire a new generation of off-road enthusiasts, and demonstrate how we are always bringing our customers new innovations," John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor China said in a statement. 

The all-wheel-drive Raptor will have a 10-speed automatic transmission that was developed jointly by Ford and General Motors. It will have various "driving modes" -- including high- and low-speed off-road, high-performance street-driving, and "normal" for everyday use.

Motortrend: 2017 Ford Raptor SuperCrew First Look Review

Source: Motortrend

One year after the reveal of 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab, the Dearborn automaker has revealed the roomier SuperCrew model. The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew model’s 145-inch wheelbase is 12 inches longer than the SuperCab’s bodystyle. All of that additional length has been reserved for the rear cab area, which “provides rear passengers with more legroom and comfort on the trails and more space to stow gear” than the SuperCab model, according to Ford. 

“F-150 Raptor means superior off-road capability, from rock crawling to sand running,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “With the addition of SuperCrew, F-150 Raptor customers can leave the pavement behind – without sacrificing comfort and space.”

Like the SuperCab model, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew is powered by the new, second-generation high-output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The truck also features a new dual exhaust system. A new 10-speed automatic transmission backs the engine.

While Ford hasn’t revealed exact power figures for the new engine, Raj Nair, Ford group president of global product development, suggested the engine would make 450 hp. That’s 39 hp more than the first-generation Raptor’s 6.2-liter V-8 (411 hp, 434 lb-ft of torque). We expect the EcoBoost engine to make more torque than the previous V-8 as well.

Ford says the 2017 Raptor, which is based on the aluminum-intensive Ford F-150 that debuted for 2015, is up to 500 pounds lighter than the first-generation Raptor. The lighter weight and more powerful EcoBoost engine are said to make the truck quicker and more agile off-road. 

The 2017 F-150 Raptor pickup’s purpose-built fully boxed frame is said to be even stronger than that in the standard 2015 and newer F-150. In addition to its stronger foundation, the 2017 Raptor also features a 6-inch wider body for enhanced off-road stability. That wider body houses a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 off-road tires.

Much of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor’s off-road prowess is partly due to its all-new four-wheel-drive system featuring a torque-on-demand transfer case. The new Raptor’s transfer case combines a clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel-drive system with a mechanical-locking four-wheel-drive system that routes power between the front and rear axles.

The all-new Terrain Management System features six preset modes (Normal, Street, Weather, Mud and Sand, Baja, and Rock) for different terrain and is said to be an “advanced, easy-to-use off-road mode driver-assist technology” making it “easy to drive off-road across varying terrain.”

A Torsen differential is available for the front axle, which can route power side-to-side to increase its surefootedness over obstacles or up steep grades. 

Like the first-generation model, the new Raptor features Fox Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology. This time around the front and rear shock canisters’ diameter has increased from 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches. Ford says the new shocks have more suspension travel than the previous model’s 11.2 inches front and 12 inches rear travel. 

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will be built at the automaker’s Dearborn Truck Plant and will go on sale in fall of 2016 in the U.S. and Canada.