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JUL 12, 2024 | Ford Performance Press Release

New Ford Raptor T1+ Ready for Rally Raid Terrains – Including Dakar

Ford Dakar Raptor T1+

     • New Ford Raptor T1+ is the pinnacle of Ford Performance Raptor design and capability,  purpose-built to take on the Dakar Rally 

     • Advanced suspension with adjustable Fox bypass dampers ensures superior handling  and durability in extreme conditions, while Coyote-based 5.0 V8 engine provides the  power and torque needed for rugged terrains 

     • New truck is a collaboration between Ford Performance and M-Sport; Elite drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma to pilot Raptor T1+ starting from August 

GOODWOOD, England, 11:00 BST, July 12, 2024 – With its sights set on the grueling off-road  Dakar Rally, Ford Performance and some of the best minds in off-road racing have designed  and engineered the new Ford Raptor T1+ – the pinnace of Raptor design and capability.  

The truck applies learnings from this year’s Dakar Rally to deliver an advanced suspension, V8  performance, and purpose-built design to help conquer the most unforgiving rally raid terrains. Debuting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Raptor T1+ is engineered in collaboration with long-term Ford Performance partners, M-Sport Ltd. 

“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. “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 Raptor T1+

The new Ford Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators, including rally  drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma with navigator Alex Haro. Additional teams of drivers will be announced later this year.  

“This is the kind of opportunity that comes once in a lifetime – to support Ford Performance as  they head to Dakar with this new Ford Raptor T1+ is going to be an incredible adventure,” said  Matt Wilson, M-Sport Director and Dakar Team Manager. “We have already completed  10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) of testing in some of the harshest conditions we could find so  we feel ready to take on this ultimate challenge starting at Baja Hungary next month.”

Key Features of the Ford Raptor T1+: Suspension of the Ford Raptor T1+

• Advanced Suspension: The Ford Raptor T1+ features a front and rear independent  double-wishbone suspension in partnership with Fox who have provided coilover  three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers with remote reservoirs outfitting each wheel, ensuring superior handling and durability in extreme  conditions.  

• The utility vehicle sits on 8.5-inch by 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch tires and  is paired with front and rear 355mm Alcon ventilated discs and six piston monoblock  calipers. The Ford Raptor T1+ has up to 350mm of wheel travel. 

• V8 Performance: Equipped with a 5.0L Coyote-based engine, the Ford Raptor T1+  delivers the power and torque needed to take on the rugged terrain. Fitted with a  unique dry-sump oil system and a tuned exhaust designed for the challenges of  Dakar.  

• Purpose-built Off-Road Design: The vehicle, composed of T45 steel spaceframe and  carbon fiber body panels, combines functionality with Ford’s signature Raptor  aesthetics like 400mm ground clearance, a wide stance for improved off-road  stability and chiseled grille with FORD spelled across the front, offering both a  striking appearance and performance benefits. The Ford Raptor T1+ has a minimum  weight of 2,010kgs, a width of 2,300mm and an approach angle of over 70°. 

Competition Schedule: Ford Raptor driving through mud

• 2024 Baja Hungary (Aug. 8-10): Shortly after the Ford Raptor T1+ departs Goodwood, one team will embark on its competition debut in Hungary. Known for its  twisting course requiring competitors to exercise their most technical driving skill set,  Baja Hungary offers the team the ability to apply technical learnings to optimize the  vehicle. 

• 2024 Rallye du Maroc (Oct. 4-11): Two teams will compete in this critical final testing  ground ahead of the Dakar Rally. Rallye du Maroc offers diverse and challenging  terrains closely mirroring those found in Saudi Arabia. This weeklong competition will  be held in Morocco. 

• 2025 Dakar Rally (Jan. 4-17, 2025): The pinnacle of off-road endurance racing, the  2025 Dakar Rally will be the ultimate test for the Ford Raptor T1+. The team aims to  demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of both driver and machine and achieve a  landmark victory. All four teams will compete in the 2025 Dakar Rally.  

Attendees of the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed can join Ford Performance for a closer look  at the Ford Raptor T1+ at 11 a.m. on July 12, in the Ballroom Paddock.  

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About Ford Motor Company 

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed  to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new  capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers  and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport  utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected  services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford  Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing  breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their  businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit  Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the  company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com. 

About Ford Performance 

Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle  development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT,  FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and  our latest commitment in Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also  maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the  limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development  of Ford's racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford  enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing's activities, please visit  Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X,  TikTok and YouTube. 

Contact: Jay Ward 

Director, Global Ford Performance Motorsport Communications 

(+44) (0)7500 224191 

jward35@ford.com