Cars + Trucks
Ford’s New Powerful Pickup
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Many Ford enthusiasts will recall, and some may still own, the Ford Lightning. The Lightening was in a class of its own in terms of styling, power and uniqueness. So it was expected that Ford would replace the classic Lightening with something even more spectacular and it has finally happened in the form of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Ford enthusiasts will note that they have not seen anything new from the SVT of late, but that is about to change. This new iconic truck is a mesh of power, sportiness for off road enthusiasts and unique styling that gives the popular Lightening a run for its money. Let’s take a look at the new staple of the SVT family.
The Concept
What the SVT at Ford hopes to accomplish with the Raptor is to draw in off road enthusiasts who are looking for an off road vehicle and at the same time, a vehicle that can be used for everyday driving. At the same time, Ford is hoping that its solid reputation in the light truck industry will turn standard truck enthusiasts into more sport truck enthusiasts. The name “Raptor” does give the truck a unique air never before seen in Ford’s line up of trucks. Ford Group VP for Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, states in regard to the name choice, “Like its fighter jet and dinosaur namesakes, the F-150 SVT Raptor is tough, fast, aggressive and built with the off road enthusiast in mind.”
The Goods
Besides the suspension, many off road enthusiasts will tell you that the other important component of a superior off road vehicle is the power train. The SVT at Ford has satisfied these demands by giving the Raptor 310 horses via a 5.4L Triton V8. The Triton V8 has been a mainstay for most Ford trucks over the years, but the Raptor will have another option for those looking for even more power. Soon after launch, a 6.2L V8 otherwise known as the “boss” will be available. Not much is known about the “boss,” but compared to its predecessors, this motor is surely going to pack a punch never seen before in Ford vehicles (rumour has it that the motor may be included in select future Mustangs, amongst other vehicles).
Besides the power plant, the SVT Raptor will encompass an innovative suspension that will make going off road similar to simply travelling down the road. As mentioned above, the suspension is probably the most vital part to any off road vehicle, as the suspension dictates everything from handling to how much power can be put down. The Raptor answers those demands by using internal bypass shocks by Fox Racing. According to Ford, these unique shocks will “help provide a smooth ride; lower, wider design [that is] key to desert racing and off road performance.” Besides the shocks, the SVT Raptor will include 13.4 inches of travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 inches of travel in the front. In other modifications to the standard F-150 suspension, the SVT has essentially torn down and revamped the remaining aspects of the suspension. According to Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer, “…we changed the axle, the whole front suspension is different--new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rod, new half shaft joints.” He states further, “It’s well beyond what SVT has ever done with one of our vehicles.”
On a final note, in order to help propel the beefed up suspension through obstacles on and off road, the SVT Raptor will be equipped with BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires.
True Excitement Or Bust?
After the SVT Raptor is finally released, only true off road enthusiasts will be able to tell us if the truck will be able to handle the demanding conditions of the off road environment. For the regular truck enthusiast though, the SVT Raptor appears to be a step up even from the vaunted Lightening. What do truck enthusiasts out there have to say? Do you think that the SVT Raptor will be a new breed of truck or “same story, different day?” For more specifics on the new SVT Raptor, check out Ford.com.
Photo: www.ford.com
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