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2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Expands Off-Road Prowess with New Torsen Front Differential and Off-Road Front Camera

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
•2012 F-150 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford's focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track
•New Torsen front differential is one such technology that increases grip significantly on the front end of the truck and improves its capabilities in handling obstacles, slippery conditions and steep grades
•Class-exclusive and patent-pending new front camera system makes its debut on F-150 SVT Raptor, enabling drivers in off-road terrain to see what's directly in front of the vehicle, even when their view from the driver's seat might be blocked
•2012 F-150 SVT Raptor also adds style upgrades with a new wheel design, unique bodyside graphic and upgraded optional interior package with aluminum accents

The 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor is set to deliver a new level of the no-compromise off-road performance the truck is famed for and, with a variety of new technologies and interior and exterior updates, it won't disappoint.

'A major element of the SVT Raptor program is our work to continuously expand the capabilities it offers to customers. We want to cover all dimensions of off-roading – from desert running to rock climbing,' said Raj Sarkar, Ford F-150 Marketing manager. 'We always aim to keep the product fresh and exciting, and all of our changes for 2012 reflect that.'

Additional capability for the 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor comes from a new Torsen front differential. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades, even when the traction is split between the front tires.

An internal helical gearset is used to help force torque from the wheel that is losing traction to the wheel with traction. The system is set with a torque bias ratio of 2.5:1 to help multiply torque from wheel to wheel and the preload is set to zero to help minimize steering feedback.

'This system is key for letting Raptor customers tackle new ground in their truck,' said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance Vehicle chief functional engineer. 'Its extreme capability lends itself well to rock climbing situations.'

SVT and Torsen worked with the traction control team to further enhance the brake traction control system to improve the Torsen's capabilities. It was put to the test both in Ford's powertrain labs and in real vehicle durability testing, where it had no issues coping with SVT's unique off-road 1,000-mile torture test.

Special modifications were made for the differential's use on F-150 SVT Raptor, with a redesigned case created specifically for the truck's high-torque application.

Looking ahead
A new class-exclusive and patent-pending off-road front camera system also makes its debut on F-150 SVT Raptor, giving customers a new and unique view of what's happening in front of their truck. Activated through the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, the system uses the 8-inch navigation display and helps drivers see what's directly in front of the vehicle, even when their view from the driver's seat might be blocked.

'It's a surprise and delight feature that works during low-speed crawling, and it's particularly useful for seeing in front of the vehicle when tackling large inclines,' said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. 'We found the system particularly useful for avoiding large rocks or placing a tire on a rock. It can even take the place of the spotter at times, which is a great feature when the truck is in one foot of mud.'

The front camera can be ordered with the Navigation System and is designed to aid at speeds of less than 15 mph in challenging off-road environments. The display from the camera will appear on the navigation screen on the center stack and includes dynamic and static overlays to help drivers determine where their wheels will go.

The camera is mounted in the front grille and includes a dedicated washer function that is activated by pressing a lever on the left steering column stalk.

Exterior and interior upgrades
The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will offer owners new ways to add a customized touch to their truck with a fresh bodyside graphic.

Similar to the hood graphic, it now features the distinctive Raptor logo. The graphic is based around two diagonal stripes, with jagged lines and shapes that give it both a racing and off-road feel.

The graphic uses gloss, matte and textured black finishes to give it a one-of-a-kind look. The textured finish complements the other black-grained exterior parts, such as the hood vents, fender air extractors and running boards.

Additionally, a new matte anodized blue interior color accent package will replace the existing one, which will be available with every paint color except for the newly offered Race Red. The package includes accent leather-trimmed front seats with unique leather inserts and accents on the center stack, rear seat inserts and door panels. Aluminum trim also is used on the instrument panel and flow-through center console.

Also new for 2012 is the addition of cooled seats to the optional luxury package and a new Euroflange wheel, which has weights on the inside to better protect from off-road debris and obstacles.

Hot seller
The 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor is proving to be incredibly popular. Ford is seeing a significant increase in overall volume, as well as increased interest in the new SuperCrew option, with take rates at more than 80 percent.

High-performance off-roading
The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 34 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150's Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering.

Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, the Raptor has comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance.

Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich®
All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or SuperCrew.

The 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew still delivers outstanding performance as well.

The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, makes F-150 SVT Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

Bringing this all together in a comprehensively engineered factory offering adds up to a Built Ford Tough truck that is truly in a class of its own.

Source - Ford

FORD RAPTOR REDEFINES FACTORY OFF-ROAD TRUCK WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW BEADLOCK WHEELS, HIGH TECHNOLOGY, CAMO-INSPIRED COLOR

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor•Ford raises the F-150 SVT Raptor bar again for 2013, offering industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels to help increase grip in low-traction conditions
•SVT Raptor now offers high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps for improved visibility, SYNC® with MyFord Touch® for added connectivity and an all-new earth-toned color called Terrain
•New Raptor offerings build on internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, Torsen® front differential and front-mounted camera technologies, adding even more high-performance off-road capability

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford is delivering higher levels of capability in the new 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor, answering the call from off-road enthusiasts for even more performance.

2012 Ford F-150 SVT RaptorThe latest Raptor features available industry-first, direct-from-the-factory forged-aluminum conventional wheels that can be upgraded after purchase to extra-capable beadlocks, plus other functional improvements. These include available high-intensity discharge HID headlamps that are brighter and whiter than standard lamps, significantly expanded connectivity features and Terrain, a new earth-toned exterior color.

'Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's popularity continues to grow based on its proven reputation,' said Ford SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi. 'It's the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, so it's critical that we continue to push the boundaries of off-road capability. New available beadlock wheels help to improve Raptor's performance in soft sand and other challenging conditions, enabling our customers to go further.'

SVT Raptor sales are up 20 percent in 2012, breaking last year's record in the January to May period.

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Off-road high performance

Raptor's newly available forged wheel combines the proven reliability of a conventional wheel with the capability to convert to a true beadlock wheel.


2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

Raptor's wheels are unique because converting from conventional rim to beadlock only requires that customers unbolt the standard outer decorative ring, dismount the tire from its regular position and then remount the tire in the lock-enabled position with the available beadlock ring kit from Ford Racing.

This marks the first application of a wheel that has both conventional and beadlock-mounting abilities – a solution so innovative that Ford has filed for a patent on the system.

'Raptor's exclusive beadlock wheels give the customer the best of both on- and off-road worlds,' said Adam Wirth, SVT chassis engineer. 'Tire inflation can be dropped to a very low threshold for maximum traction under extreme conditions, yet holds tight – and stays tight – when returning to the road.'


SVT Raptor connectivity

SVT Raptor features Ford's acclaimed SYNC®communications and entertainment system, allowing hands-free voice-activated control of a driver's mobile device and the truck's audio system. For 2013, SVT Raptor adds a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the MyFord® driver connect technology.

SVT Raptor's driver connectivity can be upgraded to MyFord Touch® using an 8-inch center stack touch screen with five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel. In addition, this connectivity upgrade features the 4.2-inch productivity screen, mounted in the instrument cluster. Driver-configurable, this LCD screen includes menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications. Truck-specific MyFord Touch offers additional button controls and rotating knobs to accommodate a driver's work gloves.

SVT Raptor can be specified with an available voice-activated Navigation System using the 8-inch screen and SD-card capability for map and points-of-interest storage.

A rear view camera is available as well.

2012 Ford F-150 SVT RaptorInside SVT Raptor

SVT Raptor is equipped with standard unique leather and cloth-trimmed seats, with driver's side power actuation and six-way adjustability. These seats feature Raptor-specific bolsters to keep the driver and first-row passenger firmly in place, regardless of terrain conditions.

The SVT Raptor interior features unique center stack and door trim appliqué finish and leather-trimmed steering wheel with thumb pads.

SVT Raptor can be ordered with an optional Luxury Package, adding numerous comfort and convenience technologies. In addition, SVT Raptor can be specified with an interior color accent package, featuring contrasting blue against a black environment and real aluminum trim components.

Cloth-trimmed sport seats are available to government and fleet buyers.

Outside, SVT Raptor is available in Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White and a new Raptor-exclusive hue for 2013, desert camouflage-inspired Terrain.

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance.

Aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™ have established Raptor as an off-road force to be reckoned with.

Building on this foundation, SVT engineers expanded Raptor's footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model, joining the two-door SuperCab original.

A Raptor development imperative has been to continually improve off-road prowess in every dimension, from rock-crawling to hammer-down desert-running.

Last year, Ford began offering a front grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks and other obstacles that might be obscured by the front of the truck. The camera transmits the captured image via the center stack-mounted LCD screen. A washer function helps keep the camera's field of vision clear in wet and muddy conditions.

The 2012 model year saw Raptor add a Torsen®limited-slip differential to the 4WD system enabling the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa. The system is optimized to help minimize steering kickback when navigating challenging surfaces.

The SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic®functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features the Torsen differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.

Source - Ford

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