So, you thought Ford was just for your dad's Sunday drive to the golf course? Think again. Meet the Ford Raptor T1+, a beast born from the unholy union of Ford Performance and M-Sport, and unleashed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This bad boy isn't just ready to tackle your local dirt track, it's eyeing the Dakar Rally like a hungry lion spotting an unsuspecting gazelle.
Foxy Suspension and Beefy V8: The Dynamic Duo
Forget your basic shocks, the Raptor T1+ sports Fox bypass dampers that are more advanced than your ex’s excuses. These adjustable coilover and external bypass dampers scream, "Bring it on!" to the roughest terrains. Coupled with a 5.0L Coyote-based V8 engine, this truck packs enough punch to make a heavyweight boxer jealous. With this kind of muscle under the hood, rugged terrains will feel like a casual Sunday stroll.
Designed for Battle, Built for Glory
The Raptor T1+ is as tough as it is good-looking. Its T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fiber body panels are like a suit of armor for this mechanical warrior. It rolls on 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, giving it the kind of road presence that screams, "Out of my way!" The vehicle’s independent double-wishbone suspension setup ensures that every bump and jump is handled with the grace of a ballet dancer on steroids.
Star-Studded Driver Line-Up
Ford Performance didn’t just stop at building a beast, they recruited rally legends Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma to pilot this monster. That’s like getting Michael Jordan to play on your high school basketball team – total overkill but we’re here for it.
The Road Ahead: A Grueling Journey
Starting in August at the Baja Hungary, the Raptor T1+ will flex its muscles in the twisty, technical course that promises to separate the men from the boys. Then it’s off to the Rallye du Maroc in October for a final shakedown before the main event: the 2025 Dakar Rally. This ultimate test of endurance will see four teams taking on the world’s toughest race, aiming to prove that the Raptor T1+ is not just a pretty face.
Key Features at a Glance
Advanced Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with Fox adjustable dampers
Wheels and Tires: 17-inch aluminum with 37-inch tires
Brakes: 355mm Alcon ventilated discs, six-piston monoblock calipers
Engine: 5.0L Coyote-based V8 with dry-sump oil system
Design: T45 steel spaceframe, carbon fiber panels, 400mm ground clearance
Weight: Minimum 2,010kgs, width 2,300mm, approach angle over 70°
The Bottom Line
The Ford Raptor T1+ is not just a truck, it's a statement. It’s for those who look at a muddy trail and think, "Challenge accepted." So, as Ford Performance gears up to take on the Dakar Rally, one thing is clear: they’re not just in it to participate. They’re here to dominate. And if the Goodwood debut is anything to go by, the Raptor T1+ is ready to rumble.
Catch the Ford Raptor T1+ in all its glory at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and witness the future of off-road racing. Buckle up, buttercup. It's going to be a wild ride.
Frank Lee DILLIGAF!
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