The second generation 2017 Ford Raptor can do many things and perform many tasks, but – just like the original Raptor – the new truck is built for high speed desert off-road running.
The truck has a powerful engine (3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque), a high-tech 10-speed automatic transmission, quick throttle response, more suspension travel than the old Raptor, bigger diameter FOX off-road racing shocks that can take the heat, and BFGoodrich A/T KO2 tires. It also has a new “Baja Mode” on the terrain management system, which will select the settings on the truck’s 4×4 system, traction management, and other systems to enable controlled high-speed off-road driving.
All this combines together for a promising off-road machine, which is also a comfortable pickup truck.
A more comprehensive off-road review of the 2017 Raptor will be published tomorrow morning. That video will include a slow-speed rock crawling section, Torsen front differential discussion and more.
Can Roman tame the new Raptor at 80 MPH in the California desert? Watch this raw video of the high speed first drive.
