Ford announced upgrades today to its 2019 F-150 Raptor which aim at turning up the capability and comfort of its iconic off-road truck.
Class-exclusive electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and all-new Recaro sport seats are the latest offerings along with three new exterior colors.
“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”
To enhance Raptor’s internal bypass shocks, Ford Performance worked directly with FOX to develop all-new electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new platform that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. This class-exclusive setup uses sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, handling and bottom-out resistance.
“By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear,” said Salenbauch. “The 2019 Raptor is not just more capable off-road. It’s smarter.”
Paired with Raptor’s Terrain Management System, Live Valve suspension technology can increase the truck’s high-speed off-road and on-road performance.
“Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are midair,” said Salenbauch. “Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.”
Ford has also retooled Raptor’s low-speed handling. New Trail Control is designed to help drivers navigate challenging conditions. It’s like cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain, automatically adjusting power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering over challenging terrain. Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on driveline position.
Also new for the 2019 Raptor are all-new Recaro sport seats which provide bolstering in the seat back and cushion. This available seat design features blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the Light Speed-colored interior of the Ford GT supercar.
Raptor’s exterior gets some new colors for 2019 including Ford Performance Blue, Velocity Blue and Agate Black. An enhanced rear appliqué and available newly designed beadlock-capable wheels round out the new look.
The upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant. It goes on sale in late 2018.
