Wednesday 6th July 2016

Ford F-150 Raptor drive modes confirmed

Drift mode is so passé darling - what you need is Baja mode!

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How long into a Ford Focus RS discussion until the phrase 'Drift Mode' come up? Couple of sentences? Maybe a minute if you're lucky? It's come to define that car, which is great for the tech that allows it, but does mean the rest of the RS package can be overlooked. Will the same thing happen for the new F-150 Raptor?

If you need get across a desert quickly...

The latest aluminium pick-up is one we've been familiar with for a while, having first been seen at Detroit with the Ford GT last year. So already it's been confirmed that it will have a V6 Ecoboost engine instead of a V8, plus a 10-speed automatic gearbox, an all-new four-wheel drive system and fancy Fox Racing dampers. Now the 'terrain modes' have been announced, and they promise to be as talked about as those drive modes in the RS.

Let's start with 'Baja', because Baja is the one everyone wants to know about. It's designed for "high-speed desert running", where it "eclipses the competition". The AdvanceTrac stability control is set at its least intrusive, the gearbox is in 4High and the throttle map is more responsive "to give the hardcore off-road driver greater control." To that end the gearbox will hold gears longer to keep that V6 in its powerband. Sounds rather entertaining, right?

No mistaking it for anything else!

Though perhaps not as easy to exploit as the Drift mode, Ford should still be commended for a Baja mode. Who wouldn't want to do more off-roading when there's a Baja mode to use? The other Raptor terrain modes include Normal (not too difficult to work out), Sport (for chasing hot hatches around the canyons) and Weather, which sets the car up at its most cautious for slippery conditions. There are two more for less hectic off-road pace than Baja as well: Mud/Sand, which is fairly self-explanatory and intended for tighter trails, plus Rock Crawl. Designed for "intense" off-road driving, it sets the Raptor into low range, engages the electronic locking diff and also shows the driver the front camera view, allowing obstacles to be navigated.

Finally, if you want to see how all this works in practice, watch Ford's all action video. Spoiler alert: it looks brilliant fun. The Raptor will be available in the States from this autumn; if there's any possibility of driving one, rest assured we'll do everything possible!

Watch the video here
 

[V8 FOU]

What, no V8?

No thanks!

[tim milne]

Slow news day?

Review of software configurations on a truck unavailable in the UK, designed for terrain we have none of (last time I looked).

[KTF]

A 10 speed automatic. Is there a race to see how many gears you can fit in a box now?

[OwenK]

tim milne said:

Slow news day?

Review of software configurations on a truck unavailable in the UK, designed for terrain we have none of (last time I looked).

You're right! Let's all just sit here in silence instead.

[SturdyHSV]

It just doesn't sound right without a V8 soundtrack. It sounds oddly like a rally car to be honest, quite 'buzzy' for a V6. I suppose we can thank the turbos for that.

That video would be so much better with a big V8 and a screaming supercharger

[anonymous-user]

I didn't realise this was "Pistonheads - where seducing your sister matters"

[robm3]

OwenK said:

tim milne said:

Slow news day?

Review of software configurations on a truck unavailable in the UK, designed for terrain we have none of (last time I looked).

You're right! Let's all just sit here in silence instead.

Haha, I didn't realise PH was just for the UK.

"World revolves around me and my little island" complex....

[fathomfive]

tim milne said:

Slow news day?

Review of software configurations on a truck unavailable in the UK, designed for terrain we have none of (last time I looked).

I'd rather read this than yet another VAG advert...

[unpc]

fathomfive said:

tim milne said:

Slow news day?

Review of software configurations on a truck unavailable in the UK, designed for terrain we have none of (last time I looked).

I'd rather read this than yet another VAG advert...

Who cares if it's (officially) unavailable here. Doesn't stop me wanting one.

[J4CKO]

Is it me or do Americans, since Jurassic park really over use the word Raptor ?

Trucks, Planes, Video Cards and snowmobiles, and they are the things I can remember.

Its a bit roughty tufty, lets call it a "Raptor"

[AdeTuono]

dme123 said:

I didn't realise this was "Pistonheads - where seducing your sister matters"

Oi! I've got a Raptor and have never laid a finger on my sister. Well, I say finger.....

[David87]

Want this truck! So then, what's best off-road - this or something like a Land Rover Discovery 4? Clearly, one will be better at hammering over deserts, but in a muddy bog I think I'd want the Land Rover!

[torchy6]

Perfectly valid news article PH! Very interesting development of the Raptor which for some reason I want very much. I see a V8 almost every day and it always arouses the want factor.

[anonymous-user]

AdeTuono said:

dme123 said:

I didn't realise this was "Pistonheads - where seducing your sister matters"

Oi! I've got a Raptor and have never laid a finger on my sister. Well, I say finger.....

[5ohmustang]

This really is a next generation truck. The ride on the Lariat extremely comfortable and does not fatigue you. The 6.2 raptor is becoming a common sight now.

[Ozzie Osmond]

KTF said:

A 10 speed automatic. Is there a race to see how many gears you can fit in a box now?

This truck is clearly the F-150 Raptor Variomatic!

Once you've got electronic shift control & engine torque management you can have as many gears as you like in a dinky "Swiss watch" transmission. No need to over-engineer it for robustness.

[ZX10R NIN]

Shame they've dropped the V8

[oldtimer2]

I think they have nailed it with this new Raptor.

[Clivey]

It looks fantastic but I also think I'd prefer a V8. Anyone have any info on how the Ecoboost F150s are faring with regards to durability and reliability?