2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

(continued from above)

"A major element of the SVT Raptor program is our work to continuously expand the capabilities it offers to customers. We want to cover all dimensions of off-roading - from desert running to rock climbing," said Raj Sarkar, Ford F-150 Marketing manager. "We always aim to keep the product fresh and exciting, and all of our changes for 2012 reflect that."

Additional capability for the 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor comes from a new Torsen front differential. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades, even when the traction is split between the front tires.

An internal helical gearset is used to help force torque from the wheel that is losing traction to the wheel with traction. The system is set with a torque bias ratio of 2.5:1 to help multiply torque from wheel to wheel and the preload is set to zero to help minimize steering feedback.

"This system is key for letting Raptor customers tackle new ground in their truck," said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance Vehicle chief functional engineer. "Its extreme capability lends itself well to rock climbing situations."

SVT and Torsen worked with the traction control team to further enhance the brake traction control system to improve the Torsen's capabilities. It was put to the test both in Ford's powertrain labs and in real vehicle durability testing, where it had no issues coping with SVT's unique off-road 1,000-mile torture test.

Special modifications were made for the differential's use on F-150 SVT Raptor, with a redesigned case created specifically for the truck's high-torque application.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: Review (2/2)