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

Ford, together with its long-time World Rally Championship partner M-Sport, has designed the new Raptor T1+ to take on the Dakar Rally.

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

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

Engine

The Ford Raptor is powered by a Coyote V8 engine capable of delivering 268kW or 360bhp of power, although the actual figure would depend upon the FIA’s new Torque Meter.

The motor sends power to all four wheels, which are 37 inches in diameter and weigh 30 kilograms. Ford has employed 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 situation.

Suspension

The Raptor features an independent front and rear suspension system with the aim of maximising durability with a lightweight design and minimising unsprung mass. It has a total of eight FOX shock absorbers, four coilovers, four external bypasses and eight Eibach springs to achieve the 350mm of wheel travel required by the regulations.

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

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

Aerodynamics

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

Comfort

Comfort is also an important aspect of any Dakar vehicle, given the number of hours drivers have to spend inside them over a period of two weeks.

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

Technical specifications of the Ford Raptor

Model: Raptor T1+
Engine: Coyote V8
Capacity: 5,000 cc
Power: 268 kW [360 hp]
Length: 4.855 mm
Width: 2,300 mm [maximum]
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
Weight: 2,010 kilograms
Body: T45 steel frame with carbon body panels

Ford Raptor T1+

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Transmission: Four-wheel drive, with 6-speed Sadev sequential gearbox with AP clutch, front, centre and rear limited slip differentials with mechanical differential lock
Suspension: Double wishbone 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, plus machined aluminum lower uprights and wishbones
Fuel tank: 520-litre capacity, located behind the safety cell
Brakes: Front and rear 355mm Alcon discs with six-piston monobloc calipers and hydraulic handbrake
Tyres: 37-inch BFGoodrich KDR3 37×12.50-17
Steering: High-ratio power-assisted rack and pinion
Electronics: Bosch electronic data system for diagnostics and performance development