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!
here