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.

Fox News: Ford Raptor SuperCrew is Ready to Roll Over Just About Anything

Source: Fox News

Ford may want to think about making a four-door Mustang Shelby.

The F-150 Raptor pickup was the best-selling vehicle produced by the Ford Performance division (then-known as SVT,) when it went on hiatus at the end of 2014. At that time, the SuperCrew model accounted for 80 percent of its sales, despite the trimmer SuperCab, with its small rear-access doors, being a more fitting configuration for a high performance machine.

Nevertheless, most Raptor customers clearly want as much truck as they can get. So, a year after unveiling the upcoming 2017 Raptor SuperCab, Ford has rolled out a new SuperCrew model to go with it.

Mechanically, the two are the same, and vastly different than the old truck. Built with F-150’s new aluminum construction, they each drop around 500 pounds, and come with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. Ford Global Performance Vehicle Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi says it will be more powerful than the 411 hp 6.2-liter V8 it replaces, but by how much, he won’t yet reveal.

Hameedi does assure that the truck will be quicker, faster, and better handling than the old Raptor, while retaining its focus on desert running, although serious rock-crawling capability is still in the mix. A new 10-speed automatic transmission should help it cover this varying ground.

As will its 4x4 system. The Raptor’s unique E-Locker rear differential carries over to handle high-speed, trophy truck-style 2WD sand action, and its available Torsen front diff adds traction on tough climbs. Figuring out which to use, and when, should be a snap with a new Terrain Management system that replaces the array of switches and buttons in the old Raptor and simply lets you choose from six modes that include Baja and Rock. It figures out which range to set the transfer case to, which diffs to lock, and offers an all-wheel-drive mode for everyday driving on slippery roads.

For when the going gets really tough, there’s a new 360-degree video system with a nose camera that can look over rises while you’re staring at the sky through the windshield; a set of beadlock-capable wheels will be a factory accessory; and a suspension upgraded with sturdier Fox shocks and 11.2 inches of wheel travel in front and a foot in the rear.

Even if you do scrape the fenders on tight trails, the damage shouldn’t be too bad since they’re made from ding-resistant sheet-molded composite, as were the outgoing Raptor’s. The new Avalanche Grey paint color revealed with the SuperCrew will help cover up any scratches, too, and it looks pretty mean.

No word yet on how much the 2017 F-150 Raptor will cost when it goes on sale this fall, but the last SuperCrew started at $49,000. That’s almost exactly the same price as the latest Mustang Shelby, which is also available in Avalanche Grey, but still only comes with two doors.

Car and Driver: 2017 Ford Raptor Feature

Source: Car and Driver

Ford's first F-150 Raptor hit like a meteorite when it made its debut for 2010-sudden, spectacular, and surprising. It was the first true high performance off-road pickup with factory warranty, a proud totem of badassery. Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Team, it somehow survived both the Baja 1000 desert race and the worst economic faceplate in recent history to become a certified critical and commercial success, even if many Raptor never set a wheel off-road. We predict more of the same now that a new, lighter F-150 platform will underpin Ford's exurban pre-runner.

While many details are still guarded, the second-gen truck will launch in autumn 2016 as a 2017 model under the new Ford Performance banner. So it’s just called the F-150 Raptor now. It’s also more thoroughly engineered as a special vehicle unto itself; Ford has given it a dedicated chassis and powertrain to go with the special bodywork. 

The Raptor’s new boxed steel frame is reinforced from the normal F-150’s and will come in two sizes: the sportier 133-inch-wheelbase SuperCab and the roomier 145-inch SuperCrew. Despite the beefier frame, Ford claims that the new truck’s aluminum body (as well as the composite hood and front ­fenders) helps trim 500 pounds from its pred­ecessor’s curb weight. Considering the last Raptor SuperCab we tested weighed 6100 pounds, we’re strongly in favor of the diet.

No longer is there a big, iron-block V-8 under the hood, so that should save some weight right there. Yes, folks; the 2017 Raptor is EcoBoost only and the first recipient of a second-generation 3.5-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Ford says the high-powered EcoBoost engines it develops for sports-car racing influenced some of the production V-6’s improvements, including a new aluminum block and updates to the fuel system, cylinder heads, and internals. To further improve airflow, the high-output engine exhales through a true dual-exhaust system with twin outlets notched in the rear bumper.

We’ll miss the roar of the old 6.2-liter V-8, but Ford promises that the Raptor’s new turbo six will be more efficient and soundly trump the V-8’s 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. We don’t know yet by how much, but count on loads of torque and at least 450 ponies.

Mated to the Raptor’s engine will be the first application of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and a new four-wheel-drive transfer case, which will work with a terrain-mode system to configure the truck for varying conditions (mud, snow, rocks, etc.). Controlled via steering-wheel buttons and a menu in the cluster, the system will tailor the characteristics of the engine, drivetrain, stability control, and more to help weekend warriors get the most from their Raptors without rolling them down hillsides. 

All of this means nothing off-road, however, without a proper suspension. New components are decidedly robust and wider than before, with monstrous aluminum control arms up front, specially tuned springs (coils in front, leafs in back), and 3.0-inch internal-bypass Fox Racing shocks in place of the old 2.5s. Ford is coy on details, saying only that suspension travel is greater than the previous truck’s 11.2 inches in front and 12.1 at the rear, which was already sufficient for 90-mph blasts through the desert. 

Part of the previous Raptor’s appeal was that it had relatively decent road manners considering its core mission and giant tires. While the new truck will have similar footwear as before—new 17-inch wheels with 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s—we’re told to expect a much smoother, more composed ride. Given the refinements we’ve already experienced driving the new F-150, we have no reason to doubt it.

There’s also no doubt that the new Raptor looks the part, all toned and buff in its alloy skin. It’s more than just a slab-sided F-150 with fender flares now; its haunches are much more prominent than the old truck’s. They’re about as wide as before, or roughly as broad as one and a half Fiat 500s, largely to clear the huge tires and beefier suspension. 

The Raptor’s proud “FORD” grille and array of marker lights remain, but they’re now framed in a design more finessed than the blocky first-gen truck’s. Small front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles, particularly the pinched-up rear end, which lends a true desert-racer look. The giant front skid plate, front fender vents, and optional bed decals carry over, but with evolved designs.

Our first look at a preproduction 2017 Raptor’s interior revealed deeply bolstered sport seats up front with contrasting stitching; some carbon-fiber accents; and a meaty, contoured steering wheel with large paddle shifters. Expect plenty of “Raptor” logos, as well as greater overall comfort and luxury than before, with all of a modern truck’s options and safety gear. 

The original Raptor’s successful four-year run made it the highest-volume SVT vehicle ever, with production nearly maxed out. It opened up new markets, including the Middle East and several government agencies. Without sharing volume specifics, Ford says all the previous buyers should be able to upgrade to the new truck, and that there likely will be manufacturing capacity available to appease additional new owners. Pricing info is similarly murky, yet the first F-150 Raptor’s relative accessibility—about 46 grand to start in 2014—was key to its charm. Don’t expect a huge leap in price; we expect base trucks will begin around $50,000, and loaded SuperCrews could reach 60 large. 

If so, that will still be a bargain for what you get. The Raptor comes from a hardy bloodline in the F-150. And it’s lighter now, so it can fly even farther.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2017-ford-f-150-raptor-in-depth-feature

Rogue Racing Shines at the 2015 SEMA Show

Rogue Racing attended the 2015 SEMA Show with its newest products along with two new project vehicles and gained more than just new fans, Rogue Racing gained notoriety. One hit of the show was a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 dubbed "Dominator" and the second hit was a 2015 Ford F-150 dubbed "Godzilla." Both trucks showcased new products and drew loads of attention.

 

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado featured a wider stance gained through wider front fenders and rear besides provided by Fiberwerx. To match the wider body lines, Rogue Racing paired the body with a production suspension kit that widens the track width through the use of UCA's, LCA's, Tie-Rod, and Spindles in the front along with a Cantilever Kit attached to a Currie Rear Differential in the rear. To make the truck function properly King Shocks supplied some custom tuned shocks to help the "Dominator" glide through rough terrain while General Tire and Method Race Wheels supplied the correct combination to make the truck look perfect. To power this machine on and off the road, Whipple Superchargers supplied a Supercharger Kit to turn the 6.2L into a force to be reckoned with. This kit is known as the "Dominator" and can be used to transform your truck into the an off-road machine.

 

The major hit was the 2015 Ford F-150 aka "Godzilla" which was outfitted with a Fiberwerx Body Kit and a Rogue Racing Front Suspension Kit that featured a production J-Arm UCA along with widened LCA's, Spindles, and a HD Tie Rod Kit. The front set-up and yields 18" of useable travel while the rear set-up was awe-inspiring. The rear set-up featured a Linked Cantilever kit that yields 26" of rear wheel travel. The rear kit was attached to a Currie Rear Differential along with Custom Tuned King Coil-Overs and King Bypass Shocks to make the beast perform. To match its suspension, Shelby American gave the engine a Shelby Supercharger, Shelby Tune, plus Shelby Exhaust which transformed the truck into a 700HP Power House. To finish up the build with style Shelby also supplied a custom leather interior kit along with badging to let everyone know that the truck is the real deal. This kit is known as a Stage 18 Kit and is available for sale as a production set-up that can be shipped world wide including the Shelby Upgrades.

 

All in all Rogue Racing feels that the SEMA Show was a great success and with notoriety from awards such as "Best of SEMA - Trucks" there is no way to deny that it was!

 

A special thanks goes out to the employees and sponsors who helped make the show a special moment in time for Rogue Racing's history. THANKS!!!!!

FOLLOW @ROGUERACINGUSA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep up with Rogue Racing on a daily basis via Instgram, Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. Follow @rogueracingusa on social media to see real time pictures and videos from around the shop, the latest news,  and behind the scenes action. Get more information about our products, exclusive sneak peaks, and special deals.

Social media has really allowed us to interact with the off-road community directly. We are able to get feedback from people all over the world, and answer questions about our products. We really like to show our followers what goes into building the highest quality off-road parts.

We design, maufacture and produce all of our parts in house here in Henderson, Nevada and we take great pride in producing 100% American made products, by hard working, talented people. We utilize the latest cutting technology, but hold true to the old fashioned principals that this country was built on. Principals like: Hard work, innovation, ingenuity, and originality.

Follow us and get a better feel for the people and values behind the products.

 

 

2014 RAPTOBERFEST

Texas Raptor Runs Raptoberfest 2014
September 30, 2014
Gause, TX

Rogue Racing was lucky to be a sponsor for this years Raptoberfest outside of Gause Texas on the spraulling 2000 acre Fluharty Farm. This years course featured a 20 mile track that Raptor owners got to really stretch thier legs. This event was a great opputunity for us to meet with all of our customers and dealers we interact with online and actually get to put a real face with the avatars and screennames. Rogue Racing also got to debut our Stage 4 Ford Raptor Front Suspension and show off our rear Cantilever kit again. We were overwhelmed with the great response we got from everyone. The weekend was filled with people gathering around the Rogue booth looking at suspension components they have never seen before. 

Without a doubt our rear bolt-on Cantilever kit was the most asked about product. This innovative kit features 18-19" inches of usuable rear travel without cutting the bed of your truck. This kit not only adds rear travel but strengthens the rear frame, one of Raptor owners biggest concerns. When the Cantilever kit is paired with our rear Bump Stop Kit and King Shocks, the Ford Raptors true potential is clear the second you hit the dirt.  In addition to serious rear suspension we debutted our Stage 4 Front suspension featuring a custom King Bypass first of its kind that does not interfere with turning radius.

Our Stage 4 Kit features our heimed upper control arms for better, more accurate alignment, our innovative replacement double shear spindles, HD Tie Rods, King Finned resi shocks, our new lower control arms and of course the King bypass shocks. This kit is for those looking to take off-roading to the next level.

We took the oppurtunity to really test the susupension and see just how far we could push it.....and it pushed back. This kit soaked up the bumps and jumps like we couldn't even believe. In fact it wasnt until we saw the pictures that we realized we left the ground in certain spots, it was that smooth. 

So, it out performed on the track but what was even more impressive was it's road manners off the track. We drove this "off-road" suspension nearly 2800 miles on the road and it rode and handled smoother than stock. This suspension truly is the perfect solution for Raptor owners looking for a truck that handles just as well on the freeway as it does on the trails.

The weekend was a great sucess and we managed to raise $25,000 for Orchard Africa, a great cause. Rogue Racing was proud to donate a Throttle bumper that managed to raise the most funds of the evening at over $5000! We were so honored to be apart of this event and would like to Thank all the Raptor owners, fellow vendors, sponsors and especially Texas Raptor Runs and Trey Palreiro, for putting on such a fun event. We look forward to the 2015 Texas Raptor Run in Texana!

NEW! FORD RAPTOR REPLACEMENT SPINDLES


The Ford Raptor is undoubtedly the most capable off-road production vehicle on the market, but it does have a weak point when it comes to off-roading: the Spindle. At Rogue Racing off-roading is our passion and we are constantly pushing the limits and boundaries of our vehicles., When we encounter a road block we don't look for a way around it we look for a way right through it. And that is what we did when we designed our Ford Raptor Suspension line. First thing was first though, we needed to design a spindle capable enough to handle off-roading and thats exactly what we did. We set out to work earlier this year tirelessly designing the strongest aftermarket spindle available. After the first generation of spindles were tested, we were very pleased, but we knew we could push ourselves even more and design an even lighter, stronger spindle. So where most would have been satisfied we pushed ourselves even further. After many protoypes and tests, we are confident our newest design is the absolute best solution available! It has been rigorously tested and we are pleased to say it surpassed even our expectations!

Fords OEM Spindles were not designed to withstand the stress of off-roading. And lets face it, certainly not durable enough for the type of off-roading that serious desert dwellers like ourselves want to do. Cast materials that stock spindles were never intended to be welded, heated or bent, neither are they resilient to vibration. We needed to address the two most common areas of failure and we went with a trophy truck style design approach.

Like all of our products we start with three dimensional CAD engineering and designed our spindles with a robust 8" .250 wall chromoly tube platform to ensure serious strength. This design is the only of its kind in the industry. They are machines out of 2" steel, then welded (either mig or tig depending on preference) and then sent back to be final machined for exact tolerances. This process ensures that the spindles are square, will maintain correct steering geometry and will slip right into place with no rubbing of existing stock components. 

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So if you actually plan on taking your Raptor off-road you can do so with peace of mind that you are, most importantly safe, but also getting the best possible performance out of your truck. Ford gave us a great jumping off point for off-roading , but Rogue has once again has identified a problem and conquered it. These spindles will take your Raptor safely to the next level of off-road performance.

Rogue Racing Ford Raptor Spindles retail for $2499, and are now available for order. For more information about Rogue Racing Suspension please feel free to call toll free 855-757-6483 or email us at info@rogueracing.com.

THE MONTH'S TRUCKIN MAGAZINE FEATURING ROGUE

Pick up this months Truckin magazine featuring our customer Josh G's badass Raptor. Rogue had the pleasure of working with Josh in building his Raptor for SEMA 2013. Josh's vision came to life as we put together a Raptor different from anything else out there.

It features Rogue Racing front and rear REVOLVER Bumpers, Stage 2 Suspension, and a custom chase rack in the bed bolted to a Bedslide for easy access to his spare tires.

This truck s fully loaded with tons of equipment including intergrated night vision cameras, on board air and tools. This was a fun project for Rogue and the results speak for themselves.

Not only does this Raptor have all the coolest gadets and technology you could fit on one truck, but is now has upgraded off-road capabilites.

Grab your copy of Truckin, or subscribe online and get all the details!

For any information about this truck or any Rogue products please contact us!

855-757-6483

ROGUE RACING MAKES IT TO THE PODIUM IN RENO

The grandstands were packed at the Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno, for Rounds 5 & 6 of the Lucas Oil Offroad Races and the fans were not disappointed to say the least. It was an exciting weekend filled with serious off-road action.

Friday night's race was going good for Team Woods until a converter went out and cost them an engine. The team is hell bent on a champoionship this year, and where most teams would have called it a weekend, Team Woods stayed up all night replacing an engine. 

Tired and worn down, Robby Woods and his truck were back out on the track for Saturday's race. Woods started at the back of the pack and stayed clean of all the carnage all around the track. He managed to pass everyone up one by one, by doing what he does best.....and hard charging it all the way up to 3rd place.

All the hard work and dedication are finalliy starting to pay off. Woods, and his team are having the best year of thier racing career so far and dont show signs of slowing down. Next up is Miller Motorsports Park in Toole Utah, for Rounds 7 & 8. 

 

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