Ford F150 Raptor project

[haven]

Several online sources are talking about a Ford project to increase the F150's off-road capability. The program, called Raptor, is working primarily on suspension components. The test vehicles have remote reservoir shocks and twice as much suspension travel. Also mounted are 35 inch tires.

Here's one photo



More photos on Autoblog
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/r...-f-150-raptor/

The Raptor program might be in response to the Dodge Power Wagon, introduced in 2005. It would be great if Ford, Chevy and Dodge decided to compete to see who could make the most off-road capable 4x4!

Chip Haven

[Shovel]

If those are 35" tires, that's a HUGE truck... and I don't want it.

How about if the manufacturers compete to see who can make the best 1984 4runner for under $20k? I'd actually buy that.

[dennisuello]

It's more of a race truck, than an off-roader.

[Shovel]

Race trucks bother me too... why would you put a cargo box on a race vehicle? It reminds me of potato-sack-races or those folks who race couches, barstools, cars with camp trailers, and whatever these things are:

"Let's see who's fastest despite a handicap!"

Sure, people love to race pickups but then they make fun of the guy who tries to haul lumber with his Jetta. I think they're both a little slow.

[4Rescue]

If those are 35" tires, that's a HUGE truck... and I don't want it.

How about if the manufacturers compete to see who can make the best 1984 4runner for under $20k? I'd actually buy that.

Yeah and that would actualy hold it's value over 5 years too...

The world already has a Raptor, and it's made by Yamaha...

I love the assertion that it would be "...like a Dakar or Score racing truck available to the public..." Yeah Right.

[calamaridog]

Chip,

Good find. I like it. Nice to see Ford fight back.

[jaacina]

That is just a photo of the 2009 Ford. The Raptor will be based off it. That is what the article states. So it does not have 35" tires.

[4Rescue]

That is just a photo of the 2009 Ford. The Raptor will be based off it. That is what the article states. So it does not have 35" tires.

That makes more sence...

[ujoint]

It's a good idea to make some extra $$, but you know what's gonna happen........ Some guys with more $$ then sense are going to think they bought a race truck and hammer the thing as quick as they can find some dirt. Do you really think Ford wants to deal with that?

[dennisuello]

Race trucks bother me too... why would you put a cargo box on a race vehicle?

What would you race? Where would the spare tires and fuel cell would go? Desert race trucks are not really trucks, as in they have no functional box. Using trucks is more traditional, back when desert racing started, trucks were to most available and affordable platform to build on.