Ford Performance might be busy competing at the 2024 Rally Dakar in Saudi Arabia, but that didn’t stop them from giving us a sneak peek at their next-generation rally truck. The specially prepared Raptor will be ready for the 2025 edition of the world’s toughest off-road competition.
A shadowy teaser of the car appeared during the “Ford Performance Season Launch” last night. The C-shaped LEDs and the elongated grille are not shared with any of the production Raptor models (Ranger, F-150, and Bronco). However, previous announcements confirmed that the off-roader will be based on the new Ranger Raptor. In any case, the new Raptor will feature custom bodywork and chassis setup designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Dakar Rally, just like the company’s current Dakar fighter, the Ranger T1+.
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As with the existing Ford Ranger T1+, the new Raptor will be developed in collaboration with longtime partner M-Sport and will compete in the T1+ class. Ford didn’t announce any specifications, so we don’t know if the newcomer will inherit the 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrain of its predecessor.
Racing driver Loren Healy who attended the presentation event said: “This is pure Raptor, taking the F-150 and the Ranger Raptor package to the next level. Horsepower, shocks, wheels, and ground clearance to tackle the harshest terrain on Earth. It really is the embodiment of the Raptor spirit. Wild, powerful, capable, and fierce”.
Ford Performance made it clear that its entry at the 2024 Dakar Rally aims at gathering experience, rather than going for the win. Next year though will be a different story, as the team will have a new weapon on hand. Below you can watch the entire presentation on YouTube. The part where they talk about the Dakar Rally starts at the 35:11 mark and is followed by the teaser.