Ford is ready to take on the Dakar Rally with the Raptor T1+

When we think of the pinnacle of Ford’s off-road-ready vehicles, our minds immediately go to the brand’s Raptor series. Be it the F150 Raptor or Ranger Raptor, these are the trucks that demonstrate how good a Ford truck can be off the beaten track with the right amount of equipment. 

This time, Ford has unveiled what it can do if it made a truck built for a specific purpose. The result is the mouth-watering Raptor T1+, a rally-raid truck that is built to take on the grueling Dakar Rally. Flexing a powerful V8 engine and numerous upgrades, the Raptor T1+ made its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Starting with the suspension components, the Raptor T1+ boasts a sophisticated suspension system with a double-wishbone design at both the front and rear, featuring adjustable Fox external-bypass dampers and providing up to 13.8 inches of travel. It rides on robust 37-inch off-road tires mounted on striking orange 17-inch wheels. Ford states that the T1+ has 400 mm of ground clearance, which is over 67 mm more than the Ford Bronco Raptor and over 128 mm more than the Ranger Raptor available here in the Philippines.

In addition, the Raptor T1+ uses a spaceframe chassis specifically designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the Dakar Rally while remaining lightweight, thanks to a carbon fiber body. This combination achieves a minimum weight of 2,010 kg. Under the hood of the Raptor T1+ lies a 5.0-liter V8 engine based on the Mustang’s Coyote unit. While Ford has not disclosed the exact power figures, they have revealed that the engine is equipped with a dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust to produce a distinctive V8 roar while also being tough to race continuously through the desert.

Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma will race the Raptor T1+ this August, with Ford planning to announce two additional drivers at a later date. Needless to say, the purpose-built Raptor T1+ will not go on sale to the public. However, you can stay tuned and watch this car take on the 2024 Baja Hungary soon and the Dakar Rally next year.

If you want a taste of Ford’s off-roading prowess, the Ranger Raptor is available for sale here in the country. Check it out on AutoDeal.com.ph and connect with a sales agent to get started on your car-buying journey.