• Ford to run in 49th SCORE Baja 1000 – one of the toughest off-road races in the world – with all-new F-150 Raptor in stock full class competition, Nov. 16-20; Raptor race truck to preview at 2016 SEMA show, Nov. 1-4

• Ford Performance and Greg Foutz Motorsports are fielding a pre-production 2017 F-150 Raptor – the toughest, smartest, most capable Raptor ever – as a validation platform for performance and durability testing

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2016 – Ford, America's truck leader for nearly 40 years, will enter its all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor in the 49th running of the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road endurance event, Nov. 16-20. Four-time Baja 1000 winner Greg Foutz will pilot the truck. Ahead of the race, the Ford Performance-supported F-150 Raptor will be on display at the 2016 SEMA show, Nov. 1-4.

Powered by an all-new high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, the Baja-bound F-150 Raptor race truck showcases the level of performance this purpose-built off-road vehicle will offer straight from the showroom floor.

Given the truck's unmatched all-terrain, all-condition capabilities, the Foutz Motorsports team only had to add a chromalloy steel safety cage, puncture-resistant fuel cell, racing seats and full race harness, along with LED lighting courtesy of Rigid Industries to meet SCORE rules. The factory-spec Raptor springs and Fox Racing shocks were revised to accommodate the added weight from the safety cage and fuel cell.

Foutz has run the new Raptor in several Best in the Desert events in 2016, including the most recent 645-mile General Tire Vegas to Reno race in August, which he completed in 15 hours.

Other production vehicle updates that carry over to the race truck include the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, all-new six-mode Terrain Management System™ and advanced four-wheel-drive torque-on-demand transfer case.

Foutz says having raced the first-generation F-150 Raptor at Baja in 2008, the new truck's multiple innovations and advanced technologies make it not just easier and better to drive, but also to race. 'There are an extra two inches of wheel travel, plus the all-new 10-speed transmission never has to hunt for the right gear,' he says. 'The new Baja mode keeps the turbo spooled up – it's miles better than the previous off-road mode.'

Along with running its first-generation Raptor in the grueling desert endurance race in Mexico, Ford's long history at Baja includes racing its F-Series Super Duty as well.

Ford Performance engineers use the race truck program as a platform to share technology and prove out their trucks in the real world. Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer, says the testing helps to create exciting products that not only perform, but deliver Built Ford Tough capability and durability. 'We take what we learn in off-road competition with a factory stock truck to further refine our design and engineering attributes,' he says.

Ford Performance Expands as Brand Halo

Set to deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020, Ford Performance leverages its racing efforts and expertise to speed innovations on dedicated performance models and performance parts. The group works to quickly iterate the latest technologies that can ultimately be applied across Ford Motor Company's entire passenger vehicle lineup.

The performance segment is a growing business for Ford, as the company recognizes a customer desire for vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy, leading technology and a great driving experience. Along with F-150 Raptor, the Ford Performance lineup includes the Ford GT supercar, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R Mustangs, Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company's core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Photo credit: Ford
posted on conceptcarz.com

Related Posts