The “wow” factor in the new Ford Raptor

From the Editors, General

FIRST THE DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at a three-day NAIAS Digital Summit. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.

NOW onto the show … i.e., my continued reporting from the “Detroit Auto Show” (also know as the North American International Auto Show”).

Of all the things I saw at NAIAS, the one I keep talking about is the new Ford Raptor. It’s a monster. It’s a thing of beauty. And I really really want to get behind the wheel of one. (I liked it so much I talked about it on my radio show.)

First of all, the long name is Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew. The F-150 is one of the most popular vehicles in the country. In fact, according to Ford, the F-150 has been America’s favorite truck for 39 straight years and its favorite vehicle for 34 straight years.

The new Raptor has more room, for passengers and gear. I liked that it has four fill-size doors, for ease and comfort. The Raptor also is powered by Ford’s updated high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces more power with greater efficiency. So if you want to afford such a truck one day, you can try winning a huge chunk of cash on sites such as klik4d.

The Raptor’s off-road driving technology has evolved into an all-new Terrain Management System™ that enables the driver to select modes to optimize driving dynamics to environmental conditions – from snow to mud, sand and more. Though this means nothing to me, my brother was very impressed. I’m never going to take this particular feature for a spin. For those of you who will, here are the six preset modes:

  • Normal mode for everyday driving
  • Street mode for higher-performance, on-road driving
  • Weather mode for rain, snow or ice
  • Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain
  • Baja mode for high-speed desert running and
  • Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling

And did I mention pretty? Yes, I’m that driver. But really, you have to see one in person to understand its true beauty. I have photos below, but they don’t do it justice.

And, again, a big hint to the Ford reps … I’d really love to drive one.

Yep, that's me with the new Ford F-150 Raptor. So pretty. (the truck!)
Yep, that’s me with the new Ford F-150 Raptor. So pretty. (the truck!)
Too bad I couldn't drive it off the showroom floor.
Too bad I couldn’t drive it off the showroom floor.
The big NAIAS unveiling.
The big NAIAS unveiling.
More from the showroom.
More from the showroom.
And more from the showroom.
And more from the showroom.

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DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at a three-day NAIAS Digital Summit. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.

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