Offroad: 2012 Ford F150 Raptor SVT – Go Further
Equipped with a Balaclava on my head (I thought that was a greek dessert? At least Mike Perlman thinks so…) I headed out to the offroad track to ride the dinosaur. Well, the Ford F150 Raptor SVT. Of course, they didn’t accept my “Professional driver” certificate of authenticity (which I drew up in the bathroom), so Matt was my driver for this ride.
And what a ride it was…
Not too many opportunities in a offroad vehicle for me, this was a blast! We learned about how the Raptor can handle terrain with the Electronic locking rear differential. The axle lock (called helical gearset) delivers the torque to the other side, so there is no loss in traction. There is a camera in the grill, so when you are on steep grades and cannot see the ground from the windshield, you can see it through the camera. Finally, the Torsen front differential helps you if you’re going down a steep grade. It increases grip significantly for the front end.
Of course, the F-150 SVT Raptor is a V8 big-bore 6.2L engine with 411 horses and 434 lbs of foot torque. The Raptor also comes with everything any other Ford vehicle can offer, so if you use this truck for business or pleasure, you have that option. From the SYNC system with Sony Audio, to the Securicode keyless entry. Leather seats that give a comfortable ride.
Then you have the 35 inch BFGoodrich tires that feature a special tread compound for precise and and predictable steering. Triple-internal bypass FOX racing Shox to improve traction and front lower control arms to improve stability.
But before we take the trip, we must be safe. Balaclava, helmet and a quick safety video from Dennis at Ford.