Ford has whipped the wraps off the brand-new Raptor T1+, a rally-ready performance bakkie built to conquer the Dakar Rally.
Related: Sibling rivalry: Ford Ranger Tremor v Wildtrak X
The Dakar Rally, a gruelling competition where both the driver and their navigator and, of course, their vehicle are put to the test in extreme environmental conditions over a couple of weeks. The upcoming Dakar Rally is scheduled to take place from 4 to 17 January, 2025 in Saudi Arabia. In a bid to achieve a landmark victory, Ford has whipped the wraps off their Dakar Rally entry, the new-generation Raptor T1+.
“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world with M-Sport and Red Bull, and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project.
“The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision – we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.”
The new Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators. This includes rally drivers such as Dakar Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr. (with navigator Lucas Cruz) and Nani Roma (with navigator Alex Haro).
The Raptor T1+ features front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension; 17-inch aluminium wheels, wrapped in 37-inch tyres; Alcon ventilated brake discs, replete with monobloc callipers; and, notably, the Blue Oval brand’s Coyote-based 5.0-litre V8.
