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Feann Torr14 Jan 2015
NEWS

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Ford F-150 Raptor

Extreme ute gets 10-speed auto, twin-turbo V6 engine – and is Oz bound

The toughest pickup truck ever made by Ford? That's the claim from the blue oval company of the new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor, a full-sized pickup that promises to go anywhere – faster and harder – than any ute before it.

Dubbed the "ultimate high-performance off-road pickup" Ford is clearly excited by the new F-150 Raptor, which will have more mumbo than the current vehicle's 6.2-litre V8-engine (306kW/587Nm), despite being a smaller 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6.

Ford is not talking precise numbers at this stage, but expect plenty of tyre smoke to issue forth. The most potent version of the 3.5-litre V6 generates roughly 270kW and 570Nm in the F-Series trucks, America's most popular pick-up for the last 32 years.

The twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine that will be poised over the Raptor's front axle could be a derivative of the unit fitted to the new Ford GT supercar. In the mid-engined GT it develops 450kW, so expect the new 2017 Raptor to get a detuned version worth around 350kW.

As well as loads of grunt, the new Raptor will be equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives through all four wheels. It's paired to a multi-mode Terrain Management system with Street, Mud, Rock, Snow, Normal and Baja modes, the latter designed for "high-speed desert running".

There's even the option of a Torsen front differential, which combines with the regular torque-on-demand transfer case four-wheel drive system. According to Ford, the Raptor "combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive".

"When we created the first Raptor, we set out to prove vehicle performance isn't just measured on the street or at the track – off-road can be even more fun," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Robust all-terrain BF Goodrich KO2 tyres are fitted to 17-inch wheel rims, along with jacked-up suspension and a rugged front end design featuring an integrated skid plate. There's also the usual Raptor trimmings that communicate the vehicle's intentions, including flared wheel arches, dual exhaust outlets, fender vents and perhaps the largest Ford badge you'll ever see adorning a front grille.

The hard core pickup is now lighter by a whopping 225kg too, thanks to a new steel frame and extensive use of aluminium throughout the body.

Inside the Ford F-150 Raptor there are more LCD screens than before, leather upholstery, steering wheel paddle shifters and even ceiling-mounted "auxiliary switches to control aftermarket equipment such as lights or an air compressor".

Touted as the toughest, smartest, most capable Raptor yet, the new Ford truck won't go on sale in the US for around 18 months, in the (northern hemisphere) autumn of 2016 – and is likely to arrive in Australia in late 2016 or early 2017.

That's the word from Nic Harrison, dealer principal of Harrison F-Trucks, which specialises in right-hand drive conversions of the F-Series trucks in Australia.

"We currently do about 30 Raptor conversions a year," said Harrison, and because of its popularity in Australia he would "definitely" look to offer the new 2016 model here.

"I would think we would have it available here late 2016 or early 2017, because the compliance takes time," he explained.

Harrison noted that because of the vehicle's popularity in the United States the vehicle was "hard to get" and more expensive than usual, retailing in Australia for $138,000 plus on-road costs once the steering conversion is done.

The switch from big V8 to small turbo V6 will not perturb traditional buyers, insisted Harrison, who said it would in fact do the opposite.

"The V6 is a good idea, because it will deliver better efficiency. The thirst of the current Raptor's 6.2-litre V8 has scared off some buyers in the past."


Photo gallery of 2015 Detroit motor show

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