Goodwood (UK) (UK) (ots) – Ford Performance is setting its sights on victory in the famous Dakar Rally. Together with some of the most distinguished off-road experts as well as specialists from long-time rally partner M-Sport, the car manufacturer’s motorsport department developed and built the new Raptor T1+. The latest competition variant of the successful pickup model will celebrate its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. It also benefited from the experience that Ford gained at this year’s “Dakar”.
- Ford Raptor T1+ developed specifically for the Dakar Rally marks the absolute pinnacle of Ford Performance’s Raptor racing car model range
- Advanced suspension with adjustable FOX bypass shocks for superior handling and durability even in extreme situations
- The 5.0 liter Coyote V8 engine from the Ford Mustang delivers the power and pulling power required in tough off-road use
- New racing pickup comes from the cooperation between Ford Performance and M-Sport
- Top Spanish driver duo Carlos Sainz Senior and Nani Roma will be behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+ from August
“For all of us at Ford Performance, competing in a competition as demanding as the Dakar Rally is a big task, but we have never shirked a challenge,” said Mark Rushbrook, Executive Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “With M-Sport and Red Bull, we have brought the best partners to our side. That shows how seriously we take this project. The Raptor T1+ represents a central pillar in our global off-road vision: We want to work with the best measure and demonstrate our performance in the toughest regions of the world. The experiences we gain with the Raptor T1+, as well as those from our outings in the Baja 1000 and the Finke Desert Race, flow into the development of our series models We also improve the Raptor for our customers in the face of competition.”
Two of the four vehicle crews for the Raptor T1+ have already been determined. The four-time “Dakar” winner and two-time rally world champion Carlos Sainz from Spain takes over one of the racing pickups together with his navigator and compatriot Lucas Cruz. The second is driven by Nani Roma and co-driver Alex Haro. These Dakar warriors also come from the Iberian Peninsula. Ford Performance will announce two additional pairings at a later date.
“An opportunity like this only comes along once in a lifetime – it’s a great adventure to be able to support Ford Performance in a challenge like the Dakar Rally with the new Ford Raptor T1+,” emphasizes Matt Wilson, M-Sport Director and Dakar Team Manager. “We have already completed 10,000 kilometers of testing in the toughest conditions we could find. We therefore feel well prepared for this ultimate task, which begins for us with the start of the Baja Hungary next month.”
State-of-the-art motorsport technology: The Raptor T1+ combines power and precision
A vehicle that wants to successfully compete in the “Dakar” needs, above all, engine power and a chassis that is as modern as it is indestructible. The Ford Raptor T1+ realizes these technical requirements at the highest level. Ford developed the independent suspension with double wishbones all around in collaboration with FOX. The suspension specialist equips each bike with three-way or four-way adjustable dampers including an external bypass and expansion tanks. This layout ensures excellent handling and maximum durability in extreme conditions. The immense travel of the suspension reaches up to 350 millimeters.
For its rally career, the robust commercial vehicle rolls on 37-inch (94 centimeters) tires and 17-inch-high and 8.5-inch-wide alloy wheels. Behind the powerful wheels, the six pistons of the monoblock brake calipers grip ventilated Alcon brake discs with a diameter of 355 millimeters.
The powerful propulsion is provided by the 5.0 liter V8 engine based on the Coyote series. It mobilizes enough power and torque to drive the Ford Raptor T1+ even through rough terrain. In the Dakar trim it has dry sump lubrication and an exhaust system specifically adapted to raid requirements, i.e. marathon rallies.
The vehicle structure is also characterized by a special off-road orientation. The Raptor T1+ is based on a T45 steel spaceframe, the body panels are made of carbon fiber. The competition model thus combines the functionality necessary for stage victories with key features of the Raptor aesthetic, which, in addition to 400 millimeters of ground clearance and a wide track with correspondingly good off-road stability, also includes the expressive radiator grille with the Ford logo. At 2,000 kilograms, the Ford Raptor T1+ reaches the minimum weight of two tons specified by the T1+ regulations. It is 2,300 millimeters wide and can handle approach angles of more than 70 degrees if necessary.
Full program: This is how the Raptor T1+ is preparing for the “Dakar” 2025
Immediately after its appearance at Goodwood, the Ford Raptor T1+ will face competition for the first time at the Hungarian Baja from August 8th to 10th. The winding routes of the Hungarian round of the FIA European Cup are considered to be particularly demanding from a driving perspective. The technical team wants to gain a lot of experience through participation and further improve the vehicle.
From October 4th to 11th, Ford will be competing in the Rallye du Maroc with two Raptor T1+. The week-long run of the FIA Rally Raid World Championship in North Africa represents the final dress rehearsal in the run-up to the “Dakar”. The Moroccan raid tracks have a mix of different surfaces, just like those found at the season’s highlight in Saudi Arabia.
The Dakar Rally 2025 is on the program from January 4th to 17th, 2025. The largest and most important race in the rally raid world is considered the ultimate test of the performance of the new Ford Raptor T1+. In Saudi Arabia, Ford Performance is sending four crews to the start with the Raptor T1+. Visitors to the Festival of Speed in Goodwood can see the Ford Raptor T1+ live at Ford Performance in the Ballroom paddock from July 12th at 11am local time.
More information and pictures about Ford’s appearance in Goodwood can be found online at:
http://goodwood2024.fordpresskits.com/
Questions & Contact:
Ing. Christian Wotypka
Ford Motor Company (Austria) GmbH
+43 (0)5 06581-300
cwotypka@ford.com