Ford Performance is ready to take on one of the most grueling off-road races in the world after unveiling the Ford Raptor T1+.
The unveiling took place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12 as thousands of motorsports enthusiasts shared their love of speed. Carlos Sainz Sr., who will be one of the drivers for the Dakar Rally, was on hand to help show off the Raptor T1+.
The modified truck features an advanced suspension with adjustable Fox bypass dampers, which the drivers will use to navigate a variety of terrain. A 5.0 Coyote-based V8 provides the power and the torque. This engine includes a unique dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust built for the extreme conditions of the off-road race.
HERE IT IS!! Just unveiled the Ford Raptor T1+ that will take on @dakar with legendary off road driver Carlos Sainz Sr. Great to have back as part of the Ford family once more to take on this ultimate challenge. pic.twitter.com/hkOPdQ928M
— Jay Ward (@Jward35) July 12, 2024
There will be numerous obstacles for the drivers to overcome, something Ford Performance and M-Sport focused on during development. The Raptor T1+ has 400 mm of ground clearance and up to up to 350 mm of wheel travel.
"Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge," said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, in a statement. "To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world with M-Sport and Red Bull and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project.
"The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision - we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers."
Ford Performance will have four teams of drivers and navigators for the Dakar Rally in January 2025. Sainz will work with navigator Lucas Cruz. Nani Roma will work with navigator Alex Haro. Ford Performance will announce the rest of the lineup later this year.
The Raptor T1+ will have two tests before it takes on the Dakar Rally. One driver-navigator team will first compete in the 2024 Baja Hungary on Aug. 8-10. This twisting course highlights handling.
The second test will be the 2024 Rallye du Maroc on Oct. 4-11. This event in Morocco will help drivers prepare for the conditions of the Dakar Rally. Two teams will compete in this weeklong rally.
The Dakar Rally will kick off 2025. It will take place Jan. 4-17 as Ford Performance pursues an important win.