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"We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of
the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting
the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT
chief nameplate engineer. "While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different
strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate."
A larger 36-gallon
fuel tank and increased towing capability - rated at 8,000 pounds - keep F-150
SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as
a chase or tow truck.
Revved Up and Ready
The previously
optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of
torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most
powerful half-ton pickup on the market.
The Ford powertrain team
performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford
Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of
truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the
desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for
reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.
New Color and
Graphic Options
Raptor's exterior also receives some new touches for
2011, in the form of an additional paint color - Ingot Silver Metallic - that
will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten
Orange Interior Accent Package.
A new optional hood graphic adds a
personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older
off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics - including the F-150
SVT Raptor logo - run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor
logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to "SVT" on the
side vent. "F-150" and "SVT" are written in dark gray. The graphic is available
with or without the box side graphics.
More Capability, More
Technology
Key to helping customers take advantage of all the
capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid
crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new
instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime
lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was
specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.
The screen includes a
unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important
information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application
screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters
such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control, electronic locking differential
settings and AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control).
An off-road
screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a
grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button
on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.
"The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,"
said Hameedi. "With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled
on their truck and what the driveline is doing."
For the customer who
wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic
transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located
on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn't
second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and
performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and
downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine
speed.
A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view
camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives
additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System
with integrated key fob added to the list.
2010 Raptor Equals Hot
Seller
Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling
four times quicker than the average F-150, with the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor
equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at
dealerships. In fact, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest
model year sales of the F-150 SVT Lightning.
The F-150 Raptor trucks will
be available in dealerships late this year.
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications