By Otsile Kadiege

 With its sights set on the gruelling off-road Dakar Rally, Ford Performance and some of the best minds in off-road racing have designed and engineered the new Ford Raptor T1+.The truck applies learnings from this year’s Dakar Rally to deliver an advanced suspension, V8 performance, and purpose-built design to help conquer the most unforgiving rally raid terrains. Debuting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Raptor T1+ is engineered in collaboration with long-term Ford Performance partners, M-Sport Ltd. 

“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,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “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.”

The new Ford Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators, including rally drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma with navigator Alex Haro. Additional teams of drivers will be announced later this year. “This is the kind of opportunity that comes once in a lifetime – to support Ford Performance as they head to Dakar with this new Ford Raptor T1+ is going to be an incredible adventure,” said Matt Wilson, M-Sport Director and Dakar Team Manager. “We have already completed 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) of testing in some of the harshest conditions we could find so we feel ready to take on this ultimate challenge starting at Baja Hungary next month.” 

Key Features of the Ford Raptor T1+

• Advanced Suspension: The Ford Raptor T1+ features a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension in partnership with Fox who have provided coil-over three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers with remote reservoirs outfitting each wheel, ensuring superior handling and durability in extreme conditions. 

• The utility vehicle sits on 8.5-inch by 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch tires and is paired with front and rear 355mm Alcon ventilated discs and six piston mono-block calipers. The Ford Raptor T1+ has up to 350mm of wheel travel. 

• V8 Performance: Equipped with a 5.0L Coyote-based engine, the Ford Raptor T1+ delivers the power and torque needed to take on the rugged terrain. Fitted with a unique dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust designed for the challenges of Dakar. 

• Purpose-built Off-Road Design: The vehicle, composed of T45 steel space-frame and carbon fiber body panels, combines functionality with Ford’s signature Raptor aesthetics like 400mm ground clearance, a wide stance for improved off-road stability and chiseled grille with FORD spelled across the front, offering both a striking appearance and performance benefits. The Ford Raptor T1+ has a minimum weight of 2,010 kilograms, a width of 2,300 mm and an approach angle of over 70 degrees.