Blue Oval’s Off-Road Beast was unleashed and is ready for the Ultimate Desert Challenge
The 2025 Dakar Rally is just around the corner, and Ford is ready to make a statement with its latest off-road beast, the Ford Raptor T1+.
This purpose-built vehicle has been designed to tackle the most unforgiving rally raid terrains, and its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed has left the motorsport world in awe.
The Raptor T1+ is a collaboration between Ford Performance and long-time motorsport partner M-Sport Ltd to develop a rally contender that is not only powerful but also highly capable and reliable, making it the perfect contender for the grueling Dakar Rally.
Powering the Raptor T1+
At the heart of the Raptor T1+ lies Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, which is also found in the new Mustang as well as the F-150 truck.
This engine has been specially tuned for the Dakar Rally, featuring a bespoke exhaust system and a dry-sump oil system, both designed to handle the extreme conditions of the desert rally.
The engine produces an estimated 500 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class. The power is transmitted to all four wheels through a robust 4×4 system, ensuring that the Raptor T1+ has the traction and stability needed to tackle even the most treacherous terrain.
Suspension and Chassis
The Raptor T1+ features a custom independent front and rear double-wishbone suspension system co-developed with Fox.
This advanced suspension setup includes coilovers paired with three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable dampers with external bypass and remote reservoirs to help shed heat buildup.
The vehicle has up to 13.77 inches of wheel travel and 15.74 inches of ground clearance, with an approach angle of over 70 degrees.
The chassis is a purpose-built T45 steel space frame covered with carbon fiber body panels, providing a robust and lightweight structure that can withstand the rigors of the Dakar Rally. The entire package weighs 4,431 pounds and is 90.55 inches wide, making it a formidable presence on the rally stage.
Wheels and Brakes
The Raptor T1+ rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 37-inch off-road tires. A set of 355-mm Alcon ventilated disc brakes paired with mono block calipers sit at all four corners, providing exceptional stopping power and control.
Testing and Development
The Raptor T1+ has undergone extensive testing, with over 6,000 miles completed in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. This rigorous testing has ensured that the vehicle is ready to take on the challenges of the Dakar Rally, with its drivers and navigators confident in its capabilities.
Drivers and Teams
The Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators, including rally drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma with navigator Alex Haro.
These experienced teams have a combined total of over 100 years of Dakar Rally experience, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Carlos Sainz Sr., the father of Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., is a four-time Dakar Rally winner and a legend in the world of rallying. He will be joined by Lucas Cruz, his trusted navigator and partner in many of his previous victories.
Nani Roma, a two-time Dakar Rally winner, will be partnered with Alex Haro, another experienced navigator who has navigated for Roma in several previous campaigns.
The Raptor T1+ will make its competition debut at the August 2024 Baja Hungary, before being taken to the October 2024 Rallye du Maroc. These two events will serve as a warm-up for the main event ahead of the 2025 Dakar Rally which will take place in January.
