The Ford Desert Runner
The Ford Raptor nameplate debuted on the F-150 for the 2010 model year before expanding to other models such as the Ranger and Bronco. It denotes high-performance variants designed to enhance off-road capability, but only a few models currently offer one.
That could be about to change, with Ford Racing boss Will Ford telling Australia’s Drive that to say the Raptor badge is “not going anywhere is an understatement.” His comments are particularly relevant to Australia and other markets outside North America, where the Ranger is often the only model available with the Raptor badge. However, the report also pointed to plans to broaden the Raptor range globally.
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A New Beast May Be Brewing
Ford is doubling down on the Raptor program to potentially reach a wider audience, though the extent of those plans hasn’t been disclosed. What stands out, however, is the possibility of an entirely new Raptor model: an off-road-ready supercar inspired by the Blue Oval’s Dakar rally racers like the Raptor T1+. Hybrid technology is also being considered, potentially helping boost performance while reducing emissions.
Such an expansion fits current market trends, as interest in vehicles capable of off-roading and overlanding continues to grow. The Raptor treatment brings unique bodywork, larger all-terrain tires, and substantial suspension and powertrain upgrades, allowing these vehicles to tackle challenging terrain at speed. For instance, the U.S.-spec F-150 Raptor R comes with Fox Racing Dual-Valve shocks, 37-inch tires, and a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 720 horsepower.
“We’re very committed to growing Raptor all over the world, both in North America and in markets like Australia. We’re celebrating 15 years of Raptor this year, and we’ve just built this very organic love for what Raptor is all around the world,” Will Ford said.
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The Dirt Wars Are Heating Up
Ford’s expansion comes as other automakers invest in their own off-road programs. Ram brought back the 1500 SRT TRX earlier this year with a more potent 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 producing 777 horsepower, surpassing the F-150 Raptor R’s 720 hp. Toyota, meanwhile, offers the Trailhunter as an overlanding-focused counterpart to its more performance-oriented TRD Pro models.
Whatever Ford develops should be a welcome addition, as Raptor models are undoubtedly among its most exciting vehicles – both on the road and, especially, off it.
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