MOTORSPORT: Ford Raptor T1+ gunning for Dakar
Bespoke V8 desert racer aims to prove Ford isn’t messing around with its off-road performanceAfter tasting success at both the Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race with a largely production-spec Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Performance has now set its sights on the legendary Dakar Rally, which it will tackle with a purpose-built, V8-powered T1 racer.
Officially dubbed the 2024 Ford Raptor T1+, the hard-core off-road competition vehicle made its public debut today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will be piloted next month by an all-star crew line-up headlined by multi-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz Snr.
Purpose-built from the ground up and with no ties to the Ford Ranger Raptor beyond its C-clamp DRLs, the Raptor T1+ rides on double-wishbone suspension front and rear, with multi-way adjustable Fox external bypass dampers providing up to 350mm of wheel travel.
Ground clearance is rated at 400mm thanks in part to 37-inch tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels that house six-piston monobloc brake callipers acting on 355mm Alcon ventilated discs at all four corners.
Drive is provided by a ‘Coyote-based’ 5.0-litre V8, the outputs of which haven’t been revealed and the whole package weighs a minimum of 2010kg.
The Raptor T1+ will make its competitive debut at the 2024 Baja Hungary next month, before tackling the 2024 Rallye du Maroc in October and attacking the 2025 Dakar Rally next January.
“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,” said Ford Performance Motorsports global director Mark Rushbrook.
“To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world with M-Sport and Red Bull and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project.
“The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.”
Goodwood attendees can catch a glimpse of Ford’s bespoke new desert racer in the Ballroom Paddock this weekend.
Related: MOTORSPORT: Ford Ranger Raptor wins production class at Finke
Related: Ford Ranger Raptor wins at Baja
Related: Ford Ranger Raptor Baja racer detailed
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