Ford Raptor, Shelby GT350, Focus RS Track & Walkaround – Video
The all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor is the toughest, smartest, most capable Raptor ever, and re-defines what it means to be the only purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck– all with a base MSRP under $50,000.
Ford developed the high-performance off-road truck segment with the first-generation and race-proven F-150 Raptor, and the all-new 2017 model spares no expense to build on the nameplates legacy by adding more power and torque, shedding up to 500 pounds over the previous model through the use of high strength, military grade, aluminum alloy, and has the most advanced powertrain, transfer case and suspension ever in an F-150. Raptor’s average height increased two-inches and the custom-engineered Fox shocks are upsized to 3 inches in diameter. The truck also gets a unique set of BFGoodrich tires, which were designed specifically to enable Raptor to conquer any terrain.
Further technology improvements include an innovative Terrain Management System ™ that changes between two-, four-wheel and AWD modes with terrain-specific powertrain calibrations based on the terrain mode selected to optimize performance in any driving condition. Other technological advancements include three steering modes, available SYNC® 3, and large multi-function LED screens on the center stack and IP capable of providing vehicle status monitoring and exterior visibility via a 360-degree camera system with Split-view Display.®
A fully street-legal stock 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor completed the 49th SCORE Baja 1000, as well as four Best in the Desert races through the 2016 season. This is the same truck that goes on sale in December 2016, with only minimal modifications made in order comply with safety regulations, including a roll cage, light bar, fuel cell and minor shock changes to handle the additional weight of the safety equipment. The race truck runs on the same BFGoodrich tires that will be standard on the production vehicle.
The truck performed flawlessly during the Baja 1000 and Greg Foutz and the team from Foutz Motorsports finished the race in 35 hours, 59 minutes and 8 seconds to place third in the stock full class. The crew then drove the truck back to their home shop near Phoenix, almost 400 miles away.
Original Raptor retained approximately 87.8% of its value, which is extraordinarily high for a two-year-old vehicle.
MSRP: $49,520 – SuperCab, destination, taxes and fees extra
Just looking at the Shelby GT350® makes your heart beat faster. A true example of form beautifully following function. Now imagine strapping yourself in and firing up that 5.2L V8. Revving it. Feeling that incredible horsepower chomping at the bit. Your instrument panel is a panorama of information that’s vital to know on the track. You grip the shifter and push it into first. A positive click. And you’re off on your own thrill ride. That giddy exhilaration you feel is what the designers and engineers had in mind all along.
The Shelby GT350® features the MagneRide™ Damping System. It monitors and adjusts itself thousands of times per second, creating a dynamic, adrenaline-fueled driving experience while also producing that signature growl that will leave you breathless. The quad exhaust with active valve technology helps maximize the awesome power of the 5.2L V8.
The Focus RS – equipped with a special 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine developed to produce well in excess of 320 PS – is the latest vehicle to be unveiled as part of a performance onslaught by Ford that will bring more than 12 performance vehicles to customers around the world through 2020.
Sporting a dramatic exterior design which delivers enhanced aerodynamics and cooling, the Focus RS also offers technologies new to the RS marque including Ford’s SYNC connectivity system.
“The all-new Focus RS is a very serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have gone on to benefit all Ford customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception.”