While Ford still hasn’t released the full technical details of the 2017 F-150 Raptor, new info came to light about its six (!) driving modes.

Much like the system we first saw in the latest Focus RS, the new F-150 will give its driver the choice between no less than six so-called terrain modes: Normal, Sport, Weather, Mud/Sand, Rock Crawl, and our already personal favorite, Baja mode.

The system adjusts many parameters of the vehicle including throttle response, traction control, steering weight and shift scheduling. While most of the modes are pretty self-explanatory, some of them need some explaining.

The Rock Crawl mode is designed to tackle the most extreme of the off-road scenarios, engaging the AWD system in its 4 Low setting with the electronic differential locked and the AdvanceTrac system set in its least intrusive mode for optimum low-speed rock climbing ability. Even the front camera is kept on up to speeds of 15mph to allow the driver to see what’s right in front of the car.

The real party trick is the Baja mode though. This terrain mode is designed for “high-speed desert running” with the AWD set at its 4 High setting, the AdvanceTrac system again engaged at its more liberating mode while the throttle map is adjusted for more linear power and the optimum throttle response. Last but not least, the 10-speed auto gearbox is set at its quicker-shifting program, holding gears longer at the same time.

It’s the kind of system that is expected to give the 2017 Raptor a true versatile character while Ford will also give the driver the option of choosing his preferred traction control setting individually or even the choice of turning everything off and be on his own.

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