By Paul Strauss
The 2016 NAIAS is upon us in Detroit, and news of new car and truck models is starting to roll out in spades. One of the first announcements is Ford’s reveal of a SuperCrew edition of the powerful F-150 Raptor.
Rocking a massive 145-inch wheelbase, and six inches wider than a standard F-150, the Raptor SuperCrew enjoys significant weight savings compared to the prior model, dropping up to 500 pounds, while at the same time, improving its engine. The new model gets a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that will produce at least the same 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. of torque found in the old 6.2-liter V8. A new 10-speed transmission, provides improved efficiency, smooth shifting and maximizes torque.
The new model gets upgraded wheels which are designed to improve grip when there’s limited traction, and Ford will also offer a Torsen front diff to even further improve front-wheel grip. A new terrain management system offers six modes for a variety of different driving conditions, including:
- Normal mode for everyday driving
- Street mode for higher-performance, on-road driving
- Weather mode for rain, snow or ice
- Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain
- Baja mode for high-speed desert running and
- Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling
The off-road performance truck also gets FOX Racing Shox, dual exhaust, and off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires, wrapped around 17-inch wheels.
The new F-150 Raptor, including the SuperCrew Raptor will go on sale in Fall 2016. Pricing has yet to be announced. I, for one am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the new Raptor and tearing up some serious dirt.
Source:: 95 Octane