Ford today revealed an all-new and significantly upgraded F-150 Raptor, adding improved rear suspension, improved wheel damping, upgraded infotainment and now featuring massive 37-inch BFG T/A KO2 tires as an option.
For 2021, Raptor is built on a third-generation platform, now with five-link rear suspension and FOX Live Valve internal bypass dampers with electronic control. FOX’s larger, 3.1-inch diameter anodized bodies are filled with an all-new, low-friction fluid. Electronically controlled base valves dominate 1,000+ pounds of force and incorporate suspension height sensors to change damping rate at each corner 500 times per second.
Tires, arguably the most important factor in desert racing, are upgraded. Ford says “Raptor is available with either 35-inch or 37-inch tires – the largest factory- fitted to a production light-duty full-size pickup. These specially designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires offer maximum traction and handling. Wearing 35-inch tires, Raptor clears 12-inch obstacles with an approach angle of 31 degrees, maximum departure angle of 23.9 degrees and breakover angle of 22.7 degrees. Raptor with 37-inch tires features 13.1 inches of running clearance,33.1 degrees of approach angle, a maximum 24.9 degrees of departure angle and 24.4 degrees of breakover angle.”
Unchanged, for now—there’s a Raptor R coming soon and you can’t expect Ford to ignore Ram’s TRX—are the third-generation EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine with a new 3-inch X-pipe, active-valve bypass exhaust, its SuperCrew configuration, 145-inch wheelbase, fully-boxed HSS fame, military grade aluminum alloy and composite body.
Inside, the 2021 Raptor debuts a high-tech cockpit design with standard 12-inch customizable digital gauge cluster and new 12-inch center screen controlling navigation and infotainment.