Ford F-150 Raptor Versus Desert. Who Will be the Winner?

The all-new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor has already unleashed its power and tackles down every challenge before it in the 2016 Best in the Desert off-road racing series. Geared with a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost power unit, mated to a 10-speed gearbox, this monster can finally show to the world its full potential.

Furthermore, the gigantic Raptor comes with high-strength steel components, Torsen front differential that boosts the overall performance and also increasing the grip for the front end. There is also a dual exhaust and unique Ford Performance 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels with latest generation of BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires.

Torsen front differential boosts off-road capability further, significantly increasing grip for the front end and allowing the truck to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades – even when traction is split between the front tires.

And especially for this year's event, Ford team made some more upgrades. Raptor now benefits from race-optimized three-inch-diameter external-bypass front and rear Fox Racing Shocks, Race-optimized front and rear springs, custom-made fabricated roll cage, MasterCraft seats with five-point safety belts, LED light bars, racing fuel cell, Lowrance GPS, RacePak digital dash and more.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor and its performance rates

The monstrous 3.5-liter EcoBoost unit produces a total of 411hp (302kW)  and 434lb-ft. of torque. This makes the new engine far more powerful and efficient, compared to the 6.2-liter V8 that was the recent choice for Ford team.

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There is also a new technology that manages the power distribution between the front and rear wheels that combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on demand AWD with durable and trustworthy locking four-wheel drive. Sweet, right?

The special vehicle also displays the off-road driving mode technology, known as Terrain Management System. It enables the driver to select modes that would eventually optimize the driving dynamics in every given tack situation.

Where can you see the new Raptor machine:

• Parker 425, Parker, Arizona, Feb. 4-7
• Mint 400, Las Vegas, March 10-14
• Laughlin Desert Classic, Laughlin, Nevada, May 5
• Vegas to Reno, Nevada, Aug. 17-20
• Bluewater Challenge, Parker, Arizona, Sept. 10-Oct. 6
• Pahrump Nugget 250, Pahrump, Nevada, Dec. 1-4

Ford F-150 Raptor (2016)

Source: Ford