2012 Ford F-150 Raptor
The new Ford F-150 Raptor is probably the leading off road performance truck in production today. The latest version of the Ford Raptor includes a new front torsion differential, a revamped interior and an off-road forward looking camera.The new torsion front differential adds significant traction when the truck is on a steep incline or navigating large rocks.
The forward looking camera adds a big advantage also when overcoming large obstacles. When in really rugged terrain, the driver must stop and go to the front of the truck in order to make the right decision in dealing with extreme off-road situations. Now with forward looking camera showing the driver what’s ahead on the 8” dash mounted screen, off-roading has just taken a new step ahead. This is like having your own spotter telling you which path to choose.
The 6.2 liter engine now produces 411 horsepower which is more enough to handle the most extreme situations you can face. The exhaust has been tuned for the sport minded customer who expects more than what a normal street truck would produce. Even the firing order has been changed to give the engine its distinctive sound.
The new SelectShift 6 speed transmission has gone yet even further than your normal transmission. The programing allows the driver almost full control of when the transmission will shift. A good example is when the engine redlines, you can hold the transmission from shifting. The same applies to downshifting at higher speeds. This automatic transmission is as close to a manual shift that has hit the market in an off-road truck.
The re-designed productivity screen in the instrument cluster is awesome. It will show you wheel turn direction, which mode the truck is in like hill descent, electronic differential lock and roll stability. Also, the controls for the new screen are integrated into the steering wheel for ease of operation.
The suspension has been greatly improved with the use of Fox shocks. The new shocks allow a smooth and stable ride but will stiffen up when needed to prevent the truck from bottoming out in rough terrain at higher speeds. This truck has been through extensive off-rood R & D with Ford including testing 50 engines on the most demanding dyno tests Ford uses.
If you’re in the mood for a truck that really offers more, the Raptor is for you.
