Ford Performance sets its sights on the ultimate off-road challenge: conquering the Dakar Rally. To tame the unforgiving terrains, they’ve unleashed a monstrous evolution of the Raptor – the T1+.

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This isn’t your average showroom Raptor. Merging Ford Performance’s expertise with learnings from the gruelling Dakar, the Raptor T1+ boasts a brutal combination of advanced suspension, savage V8 power and a purpose-built design that screams off-road dominance.

Developed in collaboration with long-time partners M-Sport Ltd., the Raptor T1+ flexes its muscles with a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear. Fox steps up to the plate, providing high-performance coilovers and even more advanced external bypass dampers with remote reservoirs for all four corners. This translates to superior handling and unparalleled durability when the going gets tough.

Speaking of tough, the Raptor T1+ sits on colossal 37-inch tyres that dwarf the brawny 17-inch aluminium wheels. Alcon provides ventilated discs with a diameter that could swallow a dinner plate, and six-piston monoblock calipers for all-around stopping power. To absorb the punishment dished out by unforgiving landscapes, the Raptor T1+ boasts a staggering 350 mm of wheel travel – that’s more suspension travel than most SUVs have ground clearance.

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But the heart of the beast lies under the bonnet. A massaged 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine throbs with the power needed to conquer any terrain, be it scorching sand dunes or treacherous rock crawls. A unique dry-sump oil system ensures consistent lubrication during extreme manoeuvres, while a specially designed exhaust system guarantees optimal performance in the harsh Dakar environment.

The soul of the Raptor T1+ resides in its purpose-built off-road design. A T45 steel spaceframe forms the foundation, providing unwavering rigidity. But the Raptor T1+ isn’t all about brute strength; lightweight carbon fibre body panels keep the weight in check. Function meets form in the signature Ford Raptor design elements – a menacing grille with the FORD name proudly displayed, a wide stance for rock-solid stability, and a ground clearance of a whopping 400 mm. This truck isn’t just about looking good; it’s sculpted to dominate the toughest terrains.

The Raptor T1+ isn’t a trailer queen; it’s a racer hungry for competition. Here’s the gruelling battle plan Ford Performance has laid out:

• Baja Hungary (August 8-10, 2024): Fresh off its Goodwood debut, one Raptor T1+ team will head straight to the crucible of Baja Hungary for its baptism by fire. Baja Hungary’s twisty courses demand pinpoint precision handling, providing the perfect proving ground to refine the Raptor T1+ and showcase its technical prowess on the world stage.
• Rallye du Maroc (October 4-11, 2024): Two Raptor T1+ teams will put the truck through its paces in this critical pre-Dakar test. Held in Morocco, the Rallye du Maroc offers a diverse and challenging smorgasbord of terrains that closely mimic the landscapes the Dakar throws at competitors. This week-long competition will be an invaluable opportunity to identify any weaknesses and fine-tune the Raptor T1+ for the ultimate challenge.
• Dakar Rally (January 4-17, 2025): The crown jewel of off-road endurance racing, the 2025 Dakar Rally will be the ultimate test for the Raptor T1+. Four teams will be piloting their Raptors, aiming to push both machine and driver to their limits and etch their names in Dakar history with a stunning victory.

Ford Performance has thrown down the gauntlet. With the Raptor T1+, they’re aiming to prove their dominance in the off-road world. Buckle up, because the Raptor T1+ is a storm brewing on the horizon, ready to unleash its fury on the Dakar Rally.