Key Takeaways
- Ford reveals Raptor T1+ rally truck at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- Powered by a Coyote-based V8, the T1+ will take on the Dakar Rally and several other off-road events.
- Custom suspension, with Fox components, will keep the T1+ composed in challenging terrains.
Ford has set its sights on conquering the grueling Dakar Rally, and it has the perfect tool for the job. Meet the new Raptor T1+, a purpose-built race truck that the Blue Oval describes as “the pinnacle of Ford Performance Raptor design and capability.” Designed with M-Sport, the truck has officially debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Powered by a Coyote-based V8 engine, the T1+ will have enough grunt to conquer even the harshest terrain. Unfortunately, the automaker hasn’t shared outputs but notes the motor has a special dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust “designed for the challenges of Dakar.”
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
- Engine
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
- Horsepower
- 405 hp
- Torque
- 430 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 10-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Four-Wheel Drive
V8 Power And Near-Indestructible Underpinnings
While it says Ford, and the beloved Coyote V8 powers it, the T1+ looks unlike anything in the Blue Oval’s global lineup. Yes, they’ve attempted to give it a family resemblance – the distinctive grille with Ford lettering and the C-shaped daytime running lights are similar to that of the Ranger Raptor – but there’s no getting away from what the T1+ is: a bespoke machine designed to dominate the Dakar.
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The purpose-built off-roader is made up of a T45 steel spaceframe, with lightweight carbon fiber body panels giving it a distinctive shape. Measuring 90.5 inches wide, the imposing stance will serve the T1+ well, as the wide track will provide excellent stability off-road. The approach angle is rated at “over 70” degrees, while the ground clearance is 15.7 inches – 2.6 inches more than even the F-150 Raptor R. An eye-catching Ford and Red Bull livery lend the T1+ some curb appeal (or would it be desert appeal, in this case?). Total weight comes in at 4,431 lbs.
“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge. To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world, with M-Sport and Red Bull, and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project. The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision – we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.”
– Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports.
Fox-Fettled Suspension Will Carry The T1+ To Victory
The suspension system is arguably the most important part of a build like this. Ford hasn’t messed about with the T1+, which is equipped with front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension. Ford’s long-time partner Fox also played a role, with coilover three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass reservoirs (on each wheel) coming from the specialists. Durable and dynamic, the T1+ should be able to overcome any obstacles without fear of failure.
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Transmitting power to the ground are 17-inch aluminum wheels, shod with 37-inch tires. Ford claims the T1+ has 13.8 inches of wheel travel. Behind the chunky rubber, you’ll find Alcon ventilated discs and six-piston monoblock calipers, which will help the T1+ pull up when needed. Ford’s new racing truck will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators, including Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma. Ford will announce additional teams later in the year. Before taking on the Dakar in January 2025, the T1+ will debut at the 2024 Baja Hungary on August 8-10. Less than two months later, it will tear up the dirt at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc on October 4-11. It looks like the Blue Oval has a winner on its hands. Could we be looking at the future winner of the 2025 Dakar? Only time will tell.
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