What is a Ford F-150 Raptor?
If you’re not yet familiar with the beast of an F-150, which is called the Raptor, it’s a 450hp off-road pickup truck. The SVT Raptor first arrived on the scene in 2010. Production stopped in 2014 but was started back up in 2017. SVT, by the way, stands for Special Vehicle Team. Ford gathered a group of driving enthusiasts along with key suppliers to create specialized vehicles for a niche market. That’s how the Raptor began, but it is no longer badged as an SVT. In 2014, Ford merged their performance divisions together to create, ‘Ford Performance’. The new division “…will unify SVT, Team RS, and Ford Racing as a single, cohesive global brand”. said Alex Nunez from Road and Track.
New for 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor
Although the Raptor is already a well equipped off-road truck, there will be some additional features added for the 2019 model year.
Off-Road Cruise Control
A new system, called Trail Control™ which will essentially be a cruise control for off-road applications between 1 and 20 mph (depending on driveline positioning). The system will use engine torque to tackle steep terrain. Automatic braking and power distribution can also be applied to each individual wheel. This makes it easier for the driver to concentrate on steering.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, Photo: Ford
Recaro Seats
Normally found in sports cars, the 2019 Ford Raptor will get a set of plush bolstered Recaro seats. Ford says the seats provide ‘aggressive support’ to keep you firmly in position whilst driving. Blue Alcantara stitching and accents complete the design, inspired by the Ford GT Supercar.
Recaro seats as standard in the 2019 Raptor, Photo: Ford
New Colors
Velocity Blue, Ford Performance Blue, and Agate Black are new colors for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Fox Suspension
Ford also stated in their press release that, “While Raptor has plenty of torque and horsepower, building a high-performance off-road truck isn’t just about engine power – it’s also about the suspension. Raptor’s suspension upgrades make it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain.”
Fox Suspension as standard on the 2019 Raptor, Photo: Ford
Raptors will get the FOX™ 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks that come with ‘Live Valve’ technology. Sensors are placed around the body of the truck and in the suspension to calculate and adjust the suspension for maximum comfort. Ford says that,
the suspension even knows when the truck is in the air
and will set the dampers to full stiffness for when the trucks lands. Presumably, because you don’t want to be bounced into oblivion upon landing.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor in the air, Photo: Ford
Coming to Wyoming
With the Ford F-150 Raptor being a niche vehicle, they can be tricky to find. Luckily, Fremont Motors in Wyoming so far has two 2019’s on the way. To find out more contact Fremont Motor Riverton or Fremont Motor Ford in Sheridan, WY.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor, Photo: Ford
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