Do you remember when the launch of a new car was thrilling? Those days seem distant now, with many familiar models returning mainly as electric vehicles, and even worse, as electric crossovers. When I first read about Ford’s new Dakar truck, my reaction was, “This is cool.” However, I was left speechless upon seeing its images – it’s simply stunning.
Before I dive into the specifics of the Ford Raptor T1+, let me express my excitement a bit more. Rally trucks have always been impressive across various brands, but this one raises the bar. Audi’s RS Q e-tron has been a standout at Dakar in recent years, but I genuinely feel that Ford’s new truck outshines it. It’s massive and intimidating, seeming capable of flattening mountains or at least jumping over them. Remarkably, it doesn’t appear bulky or overly truck-like; instead, it resembles a sleek rally car with a significant suspension lift, as that’s essentially what it is.
The truck’s livery is equally impressive. While I occasionally express disappointment about Red Bull’s pervasive presence in sports, it’s undeniable that their logo enhances the appearance of this machine, giving it a true racing vibe. The vibrant blue tones on the fenders and body, the striking 17-inch orange wheels clad in 37-inch BF Goodrich tires, and the font style for the “FORD” branding on the back fenders all contribute to its impressive look.
Additionally, it’s vital to note that the Raptor T1+ isn’t merely a variation of other road-going vehicles. Unlike Ford’s past Dakar vehicle that shared similarities with the global Ranger truck, this model stands apart. Yes, the grille and daytime running lights at the front distinctly suggest “Ford” (like the F-150 or Ranger), but as my colleague Caleb Jacobs highlights, this Raptor is uniquely its own.
Underneath its striking looks, the Raptor T1+ boasts a powerful drivetrain. Built to equip legendary rally drivers Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma with Ford’s finest, it features a Coyote-based 5.0-liter V8 engine. The design of the Fox double-wishbone suspension incorporates three-way adjustable coilovers and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers with remote reservoirs. Surprisingly, the entire vehicle weighs just 4,400 pounds, which is only 400 pounds more than a BMW M3, and it has an impressive ground clearance of nearly 16 inches, allowing it to tackle any terrain.
The Ford Raptor T1+ is set to compete in three significant races over the upcoming months: Baja Hungary in August, Rallye du Maroc in October, and the challenging Dakar rally in January, which now takes place in Saudi Arabia. However, before these races, it will make an appearance at the esteemed Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will race up the hill past the 11th Duke of Richmond’s estate towards the finish line.
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