Ford Hints At A Dakar-Bred Standalone Raptor Supercar

Supercars are great – until you encounter a taller-than-usual speed bump, or any decent-sized pothole. If you’ve been wishing for a super machine that would smirk at the presence of those things, Ford may have something in the pipeline. According to Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, the Blue Oval is currently in discussion of making a Raptor-branded supercar to join the ranks of the F-150 Raptor, Bronco Raptor, and Ranger Raptor.

• 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

  The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance pickup truck designed for off-road driving. It features a powerful engine, rugged suspension, and advanced technology. The Raptor’s exterior is bold and aggressive, with a muscular stance and distinctive styling cues.

  The interior is spacious and comfortable, with premium materials and features. The Raptor is equipped with a variety of off-road features, including a high-clearance suspension, rock crawling mode, and a terrain management system. It also offers a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

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  2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

  The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a high-performance mid-size truck designed for off-road enthusiasts. It features a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, long-travel FOX suspension, and aggressive styling. While it offers impressive performance and capability, it also comes with a higher price tag compared to its competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Additionally, its fuel efficiency may not be ideal for everyday driving.

  The Raptor’s engine delivers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both on-road and off-road driving. The FOX suspension system, with its long-travel shocks, allows for exceptional articulation and high-speed off-road capabilities. The truck’s aggressive styling, including large fender flares, a prominent grille, and off-road tires, further emphasizes its off-road focus.

Farley previously announced its intention to become the go-to brand for anything off-road, and this idea of an off-road supercar will further reinforce that. In an interview with Top Gear, he added that it won’t just be another version of an existing vehicle, like a Safari/Dakar version of a sports coupe, but rather a standalone model, presumably completely built from the ground up.

Seriously Fun But Compliant

So, no, it appears that Farley wasn’t talking about the rumored Mustang Raptor that was supposedly previewed to dealers last year alongside a sedan version of the muscle car. His statement was more of a hint rather than a confirmation – though we’re still hoping the Mustang Raptor would still happen because that would be really cool. What’s clear, however, is that Ford intends to sell off-road supercar to anyone interested.

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Farley added that him and his team are currently “debating” about the possibility, so it’s currently not in the works yet but rather an ideation that Ford is seriously considering. From his point of view, the Ranger Raptor’s popularity in the UK stems from it being a fun vehicle but with a very compliant suspension, which is a very different experience for many.

There’s Nothing Like A Dakar-Bred Racer

If there’s any off-road vehicle from Ford that’s close to belonging in the supercar pedigree, that would be the Raptor T1+ rally truck that debuted at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The purpose-built Dakar rally racer is the ultimate Raptor, powered by a Coyote-based V8 and built atop a near-indestructible chassis. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, thinks so too, when asked by Top Gear, and the standalone off-road supercar will likely benefit from its development.

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“Yes, the Raptor T1+ at Dakar represents the ultimate Raptor in many ways, and we’re learning a lot from that both in terms of the competition but also in terms of feedback from customers, so all I can say is stay tuned,” Rushbrook told the British publication.

Source: Top Gear