5 Things You Need to Know About the F-150 Raptor
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha – Qatar, February 27, 2025 – Three generations of F-150 Raptor across 15 years have been braving the toughest trails and conquering the biggest dunes. Inspired by extreme desert-racing trucks that compete at the Baja 1000, the F-150 Raptor is Ford’s original high-performance off-roader. Here are the 5 things you need to know about the latest-generation F-150 Raptor. Power packed performance The F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 packs 335kW and 692Nm of torque and delivers peak twist low in the rev range (3000rpm), right where you need it for tackling obstacles and hauling heavy loads. Mated to this potent engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission. An innovative torque-on-demand transfer case with automatic four-wheel drive provides enhanced grip in any condition, from bitumen to sand. And for ultimate traction, an electronic rear locking differential is standard. Terrain tamer At the heart of F-150 Raptor’s suspension are the advanced FOX Dual Live Valve shocks. Sensors throughout the Raptor take readings hundreds of times a second, analyzing everything from suspension height to chassis movement. This data feeds into a system that essentially ‘predicts’ what’s coming next, pre-emptively adjusting the shocks for maximum control and comfort. New electronically controlled base valves, proven in the heat of desert racing, provide up to 450kg of damping per corner, ensuring the Raptor remains composed even at high speeds. Tailor F-150 Raptor to the terrain Boasting seven selectable drive modes1, F-150 Raptor can be tailored to match the terrain or the job at hand, from driving down the highway to tackling your favourite back road or crawling over rocks in the middle of nowhere. Engine response, transmission behaviour, ABS sensitivity, traction and stability control, even the exhaust note – all are fine-tuned to match the selected mode. Even the instrument cluster and touchscreen graphics change to reflect the Raptor’s selected mode. These include Normal, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Rock Crawl, Off-Road and Baja2. F-150 Raptor’s Tech Makes Conquering Trails a Breeze The F-150 Raptor isn’t just about brute force; it’s about smart technology that makes off-roading easier and more enjoyable: Aggressive Style: F-150 Raptor’s Modular Bumper The F-150 Raptor’s design cues feature rugged, aggressive styling inside and out, with a signature look that befits the truck’s position at the pinnacle of performance – including a blacked-out grille with integrated marker LEDs and black headlamp surrounds. Disclaimers 1 Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. 2 Baja mode is intended for off-road use only. 3 Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and Trail1-Pedal Drive are extra driving aids. It does not replace the driver’s attention and judgment, or the need to apply brakes. See owner’s manual for details and limitations.
Ford Returns to the Pinnacle of Sports Car Racing at Le Mans in 2027
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha-Qatar February 1, 2025 – Ford Motor Company is returning to the top tier of prototype sports car racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in 2027 looking to recapture the magic and success of Ford racing nearly 60 years ago. Ford Performance will lead the charge with a full factory team entering FIA WEC with the aim of once more taking on the sport’s most demanding race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Between 1966 and 1969, Ford captured four consecutive overall victories at the grandfather of all endurance sports car races in the city of Le Mans, France. Since that time, Ford has focused on class victories, firstly in 2016 with the Ford GT in GTLM and more recently with the Ford Mustang GT3. Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair: “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again. I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!’” Frédéric Lequien, FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) CEO: “Ford has been synonymous with success both on and off-track for decades, and we are delighted that the company has chosen the FIA World Endurance Championship for its latest challenge. To have at least ten major automotive brands committed to the series’ top-tier in 2027 is testament to the championship’s stellar momentum and growth.” Pierre Fillon, Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) President: “It is wonderful news to welcome Ford back to the top level of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in almost 60 years. It is a brand that has always had a close affinity with this very special race, and history shows that Ford does not compete to finish second. The renewal of its famous rivalry with Ferrari is truly an exciting prospect.” Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President: “Ford and endurance racing are a perfect fit, as has been proven time and again. It is a brand with a long and proud motorsport heritage, and a passion for competition instilled by Henry Ford himself. The company’s return to the highest level of the discipline is further validation of the success and appeal of the current Hypercar regulations. Endurance racing’s golden age is right here, and right now!” Additional details on Ford’s return will be shared later.
