Ford debuts Dakar-ready Raptor T1+

Ford Performance has debuted its Raptor T1+ at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the rally-bred 4x4 set to compete at the 2025 Dakar Rally.

The result of an engineering collaboration between Ford Performance and M-Sport, the Coyote V8-powered Raptor T1+ utilises an advanced suspension set-up consisting of front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension. Fox coilover three-way adjustable and four-way adjustable external bypass dampers, with remote reservoirs on each wheel, enable the T1+ to remain surefooted at ultra-high off-road speeds.

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A unique dry-sump oil system has also been fitted, and a tuned exhaust allows the T1+ to excel at off-road events like Dakar.

Sitting on 8.5 x17-inch aluminium wheels inside 37-inch tyres, the fully bespoke vehicle has up to 350mm of wheel travel. The Raptor T1+ has a minimum weight of 2010kg, is 2300mm wide, and has a massive approach angle of more than 70 degrees. Front and rear 355mm Alcon ventilated discs and six-piston monoblock callipers provide sufficient stopping power.

Utilising a T45 steel space frame and carbon-fibre body panels, the purpose-built T1+ retains the Raptor’s 400mm ground clearance, wide stance and FORD lettering across the grille.

“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,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports.

“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.”

In preparation for the 2025 Dakar Rally, the teams – including rally drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma – will compete at the 2024 Baja Hungary (August 8-10) and 2024 Rallye du Maroc (October 4-11).

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“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 kilometres 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.”

The 2025 Dakar Rally takes place from January 4 to 17.