2019 Ford F-150 Raptor

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Ford Media Center

For 2019 the Ford F-150 Raptor raises the bar in the ultimate off-road performance with upgraded technology including class-exclusive, electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and all-new Recaro sport seats.

Exterior
For 2019 the, 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 muscular front and rear bumpers.

The Raptor 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 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, the 2019 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 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.

Raptor drivers now have enhanced seats to help keep them firmly in place for improved confidence at low and high speeds. All-new Recaro sport seats provide aggressive support with generous bolstering in the seat back and cushion. This available seat design features blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the Light Speed-colored interior of the Ford GT supercar.

The Raptor comes 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; SYNC 3 enables voice-activated communications and entertainment system with advanced smartphone integration to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for improved device integration and flexibility.


Performance
Under the hood, the 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V6 engine produces 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band; The 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 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.

New upgrades for 2019 are focused on key components that have made F-150 Raptor the benchmark in off-road trucks for a more capable trail runner. While Raptor has plenty of torque and horsepower, building a high-performance off-road truck isn’t just about engine power, it’s also about the suspension. Raptor’s suspension upgrades make it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain; To enhance Raptor’s already proven internal bypass shocks, Ford Performance worked directly with FOX to develop all-new electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new platform that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. This class-exclusive setup uses sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, handling and bottom-out resistance.

Paired with Raptor’s Terrain Management System, Live Valve suspension technology can increase the truck’s high-speed off-road capability while also enabling smooth on-road driving performance; Low-speed performance off-road is also improved. New Trail Control helps drivers navigate challenging conditions. It’s like cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain, automatically adjusting power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering over rugged terrain. Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on driveline position.

The system makes everything easier from driving on a simple two-track trail to traversing a rocky hill climb. Not only can Trail Control automatically draw significant engine torque to overcome steep obstacles, it can individually brake the wheels so the truck comes down smoothly on the other side.


Summary
Ford developed the high-performance off-road truck segment with the first-generation and race-proven F-150 Raptor, for 2019 Raptor’s aggressive exterior gets even more intense with eye-catching new colors including Ford Performance Blue, Velocity Blue and Agate Black. An enhanced rear appliqué and available newly designed beadlock-capable wheels round out the new look.

Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail base price is $55,840.00, for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor 4X4 Supercrew, the one I drove included: Equipment Group 802A $9,365.00 (Raptor Series, Power sliding Rear Window, 4.10 Front Axle with Torsen Differential, 360 Degree Camera, LED Box Lighting, LED Side-Mirror Spotlights, BLIS with Trailer Tow Monitoring, Remote Start System, Electronic Auto Temperature Control, Heated Steering Wheel, Inflatable Rear Safety Belts, Integrated Trailer Brake Control, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, B & O Sound System, Voice-Activated Navigation), Raptor Exterior Graphics Package $1,075.00, Interior Color Blue Accent Package $2,395.00, Tailgate Step $375.00, 17 Inch Forge Aluminum Wheels $1,895.00, Raptor Technology Package $1,695.00, Second Row Heated Seats $125.00 and Spray-in-In Bedliner $595.00, and it came in at $74,955.00 including destination and delivery charges $1,595.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Ford.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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