Bring it On
No matter the terrain, the forthcoming Raptor can conquer it
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
We know that the forthcoming F-150 Raptor pickup will be faster and more capable than its predecessor. Aside from reduced weight and a yet-unannounced power rating there are six reasons this truck is better suited to take on whatever you throw at it—the settings in the Terrain Management System.
Not only does the truck feature a new four-wheel-drive system with a torque-on-demand transfer case, but it the technology loaded into the TMS allows drivers to adjust to conditions on the fly. According to Ford, those settings are designed as follows:
• Normal: "For everyday on-road driving duties, normal mode is a perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience."
• Sport: "Mountain passes are no longer just for Mustang, thanks to Raptor sport mode. For spirited on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response and provides a sportier steering feel – along with quicker shifting. The transmission holds gears longer to keep you in the power band."
• Weather: "When road conditions are less than ideal, weather mode inspires confidence without compromising driving pleasure. Snow/wet mode automatically engages 4 Auto. AdvanceTrac, throttle response and the shift schedule are optimized for greater confidence in slippery conditions."
• Mud/Sand: "For tackling trails and other off-road treks, the mud/sand setting is your best friend. 4 High and the electronic locking differential automatically engage for driving over loose or soft ground, and optimized AdvanceTrac settings help Raptor keep its footing. Steering is set to comfort, which makes it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles."
• Baja: "Baja mode is where Raptor eclipses the competition. Designed for high-speed desert running, Baja mode places the vehicle in 4 High, AdvanceTrac is programmed to the least intrusive settings, and the throttle map is adjusted for more linear power and improved engine response to give the hardcore off-road driver greater control. The transmission has quicker shifts and holds gears longer – keeping the vehicle in its power band."
• Rock Crawl: "This setting is for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds. Rock crawl prompts the driver to place the vehicle in 4 Low, the electronic locking differential is automatically engaged and AdvanceTrac is set to the least intrusive settings for optimum rock-climbing ability. Throttle modulation and transmission response are optimized for greater control. Additionally, the front camera allows the driver to see what’s right in front of the truck, and it can be kept on at speeds up to 15 mph."
While the company has tested these settings in the Best in the Desert racing series, Ford Performance recently released a video showing the benefits of the Terrain Management System in action. Check it out…
[video=youtube;EAsR42Oa84s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= EAsR42Oa84s[/video]
The latest Raptor will hit dealer lots this fall in the US and Canada, so you can try those modes out for yourself in the near future.
Whether the conditions are ideal or slippery, the F-150 Raptor’s Terrain Management System can help you maximize traction.
