Ford Performance engineers are trail testing prototypes of the all-new F-150 Raptor ahead of its public debut around this time next year.
Ford says its all-new Raptor, beefed up with a 450-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, is able to tackle even tougher hills, ruts and bumps along trails than the previous model.
Frankly, this test doesn’t appear to be all that challenging, especially for a truck as off-road capable as Raptor. But it does give you a nice glimpse of the NexGen pickup’s ground clearance, which is higher than previous generations Raptor. Just for kicks, for 2017 Raptor will come standard with new 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology.
Raptor’s all-new four-wheel-drive is complete with a torque-on-demand transfer case, which manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Ford says it has combined the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable and mechanical-locking four-wheel drive.
The 2017 Raptor is expected to hit dealer lots next fall, and an off-road trail near you about 10 minutes later.