SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1342270
DESERT DOMINANCE The 2021 Ford Raptor Makes Its Debut Sporting More Technology And BaJa Proven Capabilities By Elijah Sanchez For over a decade, the Ford F-150 Raptor has dominated off-road trails and Baja to make its name as an iconic desert-racing truck. The 2021 F-150 Raptor takes the mechanical and technical mastery and innovation of the Raptor to the next level and is upgraded with state-of-the-art technology for even better performance and off-road experiences. Ford Performance chief engineer Carl Widmann stated “every aspect of Raptor has been engineered to deliver precision capability when your foot is flat on the floor, way out in the middle of nowhere roaring across the desert.” SUSPENSION Suspension on the F-150 Raptor is entirely redesigned to deliver greater power and precision when speeding through rough terrain. The specially designed five-link rear suspension is just like many off-road racing trucks. The 2021 models are built with extra-long trailing arms and 24-inch coil springs. This allows the driver to maintain axle position on rough terrain, as well as faster speed and acceleration, more torque in rear wheels for quicker starts, better responsiveness, and overall improved stability and control. Raptor’s large 3.1-inch diameter anodized aluminum shock bodies allow for an even more improved off-road experience. FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks are designed with electronic control technology with low-friction shock fluid designed to decrease frictional losses inside the damper, allowing for position-sensitive damping adjustability. Suspension height sensors around the truck automatically adjust damping rates at each corner 500 times per second. This state of the art technology and upgraded shock and suspension system means the truck can better resist heat build-up while also having faster and smoother reactions to terrain changes and challenges. For even greater traction and handling, the 2021 Raptor is available with specially designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 35-inch or optional 37-inch tires for different levels of running and obstacle clearance. With the 35-inch tires, wheel travel measures 14 inches in the front and 15 inches in the rear. Outfitted with the 37’s the wheel travel changes to 13-inches front and 14.1-iches rear. Either way, the Raptor is versatile in its ability to clear obstacles with 25 percent more travel than the first-generation Raptor. In addition to Raptor’s more capable and fortified suspension, the SuperCrew 145-inch wheelbase configuration and fully boxed steel frame, ensure the tuck can endure demanding off-road use. Raptor’s military-grade aluminum alloy and composite body in combination with tall shock towers and rear control arm mounting points create a strong and capable structure that can absorb demanding jumps and landings. ENGINE Raptor’s third-generation twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost high-output engine won’t disappoint. With with twin-turbos and a 10.5:1 compression ratio, the engine’s official horsepower and torque numbers are still to be determined from Ford, but expect it should produce more than 2020 models. Ford engineers did add some improved cooling and EPA number, however. The truck features new high-power fans that create a more reliable cooling system. With a standard 36-gallon capacity fuel tank and a projected EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles on a full tank of gas, the Raptor is equipped to last on long off-roading ventures. For those who haven’t gotten used to the sound of V6 horsepower, the new three-inch exhaust system features an X-pipe, a unique “trombone loop”, and active valves—a system that improves sound quality and takes advantage of a true-pass through muffler design, allowing drivers to switch between four sound levels—Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja. Raptor’s 10-speed automatic transmission is also upgraded for 2021, featuring new controls and fastened to a torque-on-demand transfer case. The standard electronic locking rear is fitted with 4:10 final drive ratios, with an additionally available TORSEN front limited-slip differential. The total maximum payload capability is 1,400 pounds and with a maximum towing of 8,200 pounds of conventional towing. There are seven drive modes (Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off-Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl) in the Raptor’s Terrain Management System that allows drivers to adjust steering, transfer case behavior, stability control, active valve exhaust, active dampening system, throttle mapping, transmission shift points, and the digital gauge cluster display. To make off-road rock crawling even more adaptable, Raptor features Standard Trail 1-Pedal Drive, simplifying the need to modulate throttle and brake simultaneously to move forward through difficult trails. Trail 1-Pedal Drive combines this modulation into activating the throttle, allowing the driver to press to move forward and release to brake. Raptor also comes with standard Trail Control, allowing drivers to select a speed and the truck automatically manages throttle and braking for an off-road cruise control experience. These features allow drivers to focus more on steering and maneuvering in difficult off-road situations. There is potential for an even more capable Raptor with possible upgrades to include Trail Turn Assist and trail maps. Whether you are driving off-road or on, Raptor has a multitude of new features that allow you to customize and take greater control of your driving experience. TECH The inside of the Raptor is also completely reimagined and upgraded with features for enhanced command, comfort, and style. The interior offers upgraded surface finishes and enhanced aluminum or available carbon fiber interior packages, along with more storage options, a redesigned steering wheel, and large bolster seats. A standard and customizable 12-inch center screen allow drivers to toggle and control multiple functions at the same time, including turn-by-turn navigation, off-road data, music, and truck features. The 360-degree camera package provides an on-screen view of the truck’s surroundings and tire track overlay, allowing clear visibility of the path of the wheels and any obstacles all at the press of a convenient dash-mounted button. The FordPass mobile app can connect to the Raptor to lock and unlock the vehicle, check tire pressure and fuel level, and control added features like Zone Lighting, Trailer Theft Alert, Trailer Light Check, and Pro Power Onboard. Smartphones can also wirelessly connect to add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other SYNC AppLink apps including Ford+Alexa. Standard SYNC 4 includes natural voice control options and real-time mapping, all through an 18-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen. When you’ve had enough fun traversing the desert, the 2021 Raptor is also ready to work when you need it. Class-exclusive Pro Power Onboard allows the Raptor to become a mobile generator to run tools, lights, and other electronic equipment. An additional 2.0 kilowatts of exportable output can be added on, providing more power than any other light-duty full-size pickup on the market. EXTERIOR The completely redesigned exterior adds new tough and distinct elements while also embracing the iconic signature design of the Raptor. Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, the new heat extractor on the power dome hood and side vents that trail the edge of the fender gives a commanding and formidable look. There are three different 17-inch wheel options available, all designed for maximum durability, and two with beadlock capability. Blacked out taillights and an additional tailgate appliqué creates a strong, visual fender to fender width. This aggressive wide shape carries over to the front with a wide front skid plate that offers side-to-side coverage. Steel front and rear bumpers retain a high-clearance design with the dual exhaust tips sitting high against the truck, ensuring they are durable and built to withstand harsh off-road conditions. Available Rigid off-road lighting mounted in the front bumper guarantees sight on even the darkest desert night. SCORE fans will definitely like what Ford has done to this next Raptor, and it’s performance will undoubtedly keep this truck as the top-dog in the desert. With Ford’s experience and continued testing of products at the SCORE Baja 1000, there’s additional confidence vehicles like the Raptor will have the reliability and capability that’s beyond what other trucks can claim. SJ