Ford unveils the all-new Raptor T1+ for Dakar Rally glory

Ford has utilised its Dakar Rally experience and some of the best minds in the business to redesign a car that might hopefully set a new benchmark for off-road and rally racing.

The Raptor T1+ boasts an advanced suspension, V8 performance and purpose-built design to help conquer the most unforgiving rally raid terrains. Debuting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Raptor T1+ is engineered in collaboration with long-term Ford Performance partners M-Sport.

Built to dominate off-road

• Engineered with M-Sport, the Raptor T1+ boasts an advanced suspension system for superior handling and durability in extreme conditions.
  • Fox dampers and 37-inch tyres ensure the Raptor T1+ tackles any terrain.
  • A 5.0L V8 engine tuned for off-road racing delivers the power needed to dominate the competition.

Purpose-built for performance

• The Raptor T1+ features a lightweight and robust T45 steel spaceframe with carbon-fibre body panels.
  • Signature Ford Raptor design elements like a wide stance and chiselled grille enhance stability and visual impact.

Ready to take on the challenge

The Raptor T1+ will compete in several races leading up to the ultimate test – the 2025 Dakar Rally.

The new Ford Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators, including rally drivers Carlos Sainz Sr and navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma and navigator Alex Haro. Additional teams of drivers will be announced later this year.

“This is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime – to support Ford Performance as they head to Dakar with this new Ford Raptor T1+ is going to be an incredible adventure,” said Matt Wilson, M-Sport’s director and Dakar team manager. “We have already completed 10 000km of testing in some of the harshest conditions we could find, so we feel ready to take on this ultimate challenge starting at Baja Hungary next month.”

Competition schedule 

• 2024 Baja Hungary (August 8 to 10): Shortly after the Ford Raptor T1+ departs Goodwood, one team will embark on its competition debut in Hungary. Known for its twisting course requiring competitors to exercise their most technical driving skill set, Baja Hungary offers the team the ability to apply technical learnings to optimise the vehicle.
• 2024 Rallye du Maroc (October 4 to 11): Two teams will compete in this critical final testing ground ahead of the Dakar Rally. Rallye du Maroc offers diverse and challenging terrains closely mirroring those found in Saudi Arabia. This week-long competition will be held in Morocco.
• 2025 Dakar Rally (January 4 to 17, 2025): The pinnacle of off-road endurance racing, the 2025 Dakar Rally will be the ultimate test for the Ford Raptor T1+. The team aims to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of both driver and machine and achieve a landmark victory. All four teams will compete in the 2025 Dakar Rally.

Source: MotorPress