Ford Raptor – the American manufacturer’s new contender for the 2025 Dakar Rally

Ford has teamed up with its long-time World Rally Championship partner M-Sport to design the new Raptor T1+ to compete in the Dakar Rally.

With a star-studded line-up including past winners Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma, former Audi star Mattias Ekström and promising youngster Mitch Guthrie Jr., the American manufacturer is already the favorite for the 47th edition of the world’s toughest rally-raid. Being seen as. ,

Here’s a look at the technical side of the new Raptor.

engine

The Ford Raptor Coyote is powered by a V8 engine capable of delivering 268kW or 360bhp, although the actual figure will depend on the FIA’s new torque meter.

The motor sends power to all four wheels, which measure 37 inches in diameter and weigh 30 kg. Ford employs a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox, while torque is managed through a limited-slip central differential, which can be adjusted on ramps or any other type of position.

suspension

The Raptor features an independent front and rear suspension system aimed at maximizing durability and minimizing unsprung mass with a lightweight design. It has a total of eight faux shock absorbers, four coilovers, four external bypasses and eight Eibach springs to achieve the 350 mm wheel travel required as per the regulations.

FOX is a new supplier chosen by Ford and the company has experience participating in other highly demanding tests such as the Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers. As far as the double Eibach springs are concerned, they provide progressive stiffness, which ensures that the vehicle does not sag and is comfortable at both high and low speeds.

External bypass shock absorbers are designed to absorb the toughest impacts, with five adjustment positions for even better control. Additionally, damping rates are increased throughout the wheel travel to ensure drivers feel safe and protected during hard landings.

Aerodynamics

Ford has devoted a lot of resources to aerodynamics with the Raptor to improve the car’s performance in both straight lines and corners. With a vehicle weighing 2,010 kg, attention to this aspect was important, even to the levels seen in Formula 1. The Aero was developed through the use of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) testing and a wind tunnel.

Rest

Comfort is also an important aspect of any Dakar vehicle, considering how many hours drivers have to spend inside them over a two-week period.

The Raptor has a built-in air conditioner that drivers can use in the desert. Additionally, two-time Dakar winner Roma personally helped design the Raptor’s interior. Although the seats, pedals and steering can be fully adjusted by all drivers to their individual needs, a 3D scan of the Roma was used as a model to design the cabin.

Technical Specifications of Ford Raptor

Sample: Raptor T1+
engine: Coyote V8
Capacity: 5,000 cc
Power: 268 kW (360 hp)
Length: 4.855 mm
Width: 2,300 mm (max)
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
weight: 2,010 kg
Body: T45 steel frame with carbon body panels

Transmission: Four-wheel drive, with 6-speed Saidev sequential gearbox with AP clutch, front, center and rear limited slip differentials with mechanical differential lock.
Suspension: Double wishbones with two shock absorbers per wheel, with four Fox shock absorbers, adjustable in three positions and four Fox bypass shock absorbers adjustable in 5 positions, as well as machined aluminum lower uprights and wishbones
Fuel Tank: 520-litre capacity, located behind safety chamber
break: Front and rear 355 mm Alcon discs with six-piston monoblock calipers and hydraulic handbrake
Tyre: 37-inch BFGoodrich KDR3 37×12.50-17
Operation: High-ratio power-assisted rack and pinion
Electronics: Bosch Electronic Data System for diagnostics and performance development