While we won’t be seeing this bakkie in South Africa, it’s still worth looking at the new Ford F-150 Raptor. This is the models third-generation and due to the F-Series only being produced in left-hand drive, it is unlikely to find it’s way to South Africa. While this is unfortunate, there are still plenty of things to gush over about this bakkie.
A strong appearance for the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Probably the biggest changes to the exterior design is the bulkier and more shapely front end. This was achieved with the more rounder but bigger grille that has a solid frame around it. Headlight design mostly remains the same but it would be a sin not to notice the more box-like shape they have and those daytime running lights.
Inside there are new Recaro bucket seats and a refreshed 12-inch driver’s display. At the centre of the dash, there is an infotainment system of the same size that uses Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment software.
Updated engine and a bigger V8 confirmed.
Powering the F-150 Raptor in 2021 is a revised version of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6. Performance figures were not announced but Ford did reveal that in 2022, the F-150 Raptor will have a bigger V8 Raptor R version.
Ford says that the engine will feature updated turbochargers and a trick active exhaust system as well as a ten-speed automatic transmission.
While we don’t know the power of the revised engine, we do have its load and towing capacities. The new F-150 Raptor will have a maximum payload of 635 kg and a towing capacity of 3720 kg. Both improvements from the previous generation.
New off-road performance.
As Ford Raptors are, the F-150 Raptor will be a beast off the road. Ford has improved the new model by adding an electronic locking rear differential, a Torsen front limited-slip differential and a new steel frame. The latter has reinforcements for even better off-road performance.
A new five-link rear suspension setup has been given to the F-150 Raptor as standard with new electronically-controlled Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks. There are the largest shocks ever given to a Raptor according to Ford.
There will be an option of 35-inch or 37-inch tyres that will affect several off-road measurements. With the largest 37-inch tyres the Ford F-150 Raptor will have:
- 33.1-degree approach angle.
- 24.9-degree departure angle.
- 24.4-degree break-over angle.
- 332 mm ground clearance.
A new Terrain Management system will be added, to further improve the off-road driving, that adjusts the stability control, dampers, throttle mapping, and steering. These modes are slippery, tow/haul, sport, normal, off-road, rock crawl and the crazy Baja mode for going crazy on dirt surfaces.
