By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Ford Media Center
For 2017 Ford introduces the all-new F-150 Raptor, the toughest, most capable Raptor, and re-defines what it means to be the only purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck.
Exterior
Designed by Ford Performance, the 2017 F-150 Raptor enjoys a sculpted body design, which fits the profile of a desert racer that not only conveys a vision of performance but has functional gains from a 6-inch wider track, aggressive stance with flared wheel arches and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
The F-150 Raptor enjoys use of exclusive high-strength military grade aluminum in the body design that includes a dropped beltline, true dual rear exhaust, bold FORD lettering on rear tailgate and front mesh grille, which gives 360-degree harmony to the design, in addition the redesigned front and rear bumpers improve the approach and departure angles for extreme off-road capability, all to define the unique Raptor high-performance design language.
With an aggressive stance that adds six-inches of track width and nearly two inches more ground clearance over its predecessor, the 2017 F-150 Raptor features rounded wheel arches with large wheel lip profile moldings, all of which enables longer travel suspension and greater lateral stability for enhanced handling on and off road.
Interior
The F-150 Raptor interior features include deep bolstered seating with exclusive embroidered Raptor logos and available color accent leather, a performance contoured steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, and optional carbon fiber trim accents that put the finishing touches on a spacious and generously-appointed interior. And for hardcore customers, roof-mounted auxiliary switches are located overhead for easy reach and can be used to control aftermarket equipment.
The 2017 F-150 Raptor is the most technology-advanced Raptor, with the advanced SYNC® 3 connectivity system, large LED multi-purpose screens in the center stack and instrument panels that display vehicle status monitors and extended exterior visibility via the 360-degree camera system with Split-view Display.
Additional technology features include, SYNC® 3, the most advanced passenger connectivity tool from Ford, SYNC® 3 enables voice-activated communications and entertainment system with advanced smartphone integration to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for improved device integration and flexibility.
The new 8-inch center stack HMI screen and the multi-function Productivity Screen located in the instrument cluster provides drivers with relevant vehicle information and SYNC® 3 connectivity that includes vehicle status monitors, smart phone integration, navigation and entertainment; The 360-degree camera with available Split-view Display allows drivers better all-around exterior visibility for improved maneuverability down narrow off-road trails, backing up in tight areas and towing. A unique lens washer system on the front camera is activated with the windshield wipers.
Performance
Available in both SuperCab and SuperCrew, the all-new high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body on a high-strength steel box frame with extended suspension height and high-performance springs, and uniquely developed Fox shocks 3-inch racing dampers provide smoother on-road driving with increased off-road control and capability.
The F-150 Raptor is up to 500-pounds lighter than its predecessor thanks to its lighter, high-strength military-grade aluminum body, high-strength steel chassis and strategic use of lightweight materials. The results are a more agile, yet stronger chassis with greater torsional rigidity, with the added 0.8-inches front and 1.9-inch rear wheel of increased wheel travel compared to its predecessor, the 2017 F-150 Raptor benefits from 13-inch front and 13.9-inch rear suspension travel.
All-new second-generation 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V6 engine producing out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band; The new engine features includes piston-cooling oil jets. Higher boost twin turbochargers enable an increase of 85 horsepower and 50 lb.-ft. torque over the standard F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter engine, a Raptor-specific air-charge cooling system with dual 100-watt fans, plus standard heavy-duty trailer-tow cooling system with a 23 percent larger core radiator and dual 700-watt brushless radiator cooling fans.
The all-new 10-speed automatic transmission delivers the right gear at the right time for improved power and torque application as well as improved fuel efficiency; The 10-speed transmission maximizes shift points and 7.4 span gear ratios to optimize engine power, torque and efficiency, and can non-sequentially select the right gear ratio based on need for best-in-class performance.
Thanks to its all-new 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V6 engine paired with the first volume production 10-speed transmission, the 2017 F-150 Raptor enjoys improvement in all three EPA fuel economy label estimates: city 15 mpg, highway 18 mpg and combined 16 mpg, all while delivering more low-end torque and greater overall horsepower.
Summary
Ford developed the high-performance off-road truck segment with the first-generation and race-proven F-150 Raptor, and the all-new 2017 model spares no expense to build on the nameplates legacy by adding more power and torque, shedding up to 500 pounds over the previous model through the use of high strength, military grade, aluminum alloy, and has the most advanced powertrain, transfer case and suspension ever in an F-150. Raptor’s average height increased two-inches and the custom-engineered Fox shocks are upsized to 3 inches in diameter. The truck also gets a unique set of BFGoodrich tires, which were designed specifically to enable Raptor to conquer any terrain.
Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $48,325.00, for the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor 4X4 Supercab, the one I drove included: Equipment Group 802A $9,345.00 (Power sliding glass with privacy tint and defroster, SYNC 3, SYNC Connect, 360 Degree Camera, LED Box Lighting, LED Side-Mirror Spotlights, Trailer Backup Assistant, Remote Start System, Sony Single CD with HD Radio & Voice Activated Navigation System), Tailgate Step $375.00, Raptor Technology Package $1,950.00 and Spray-in-In Bedliner $495.00, and it came in at $61,685.00 including destination and delivery charges $1,195.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
