Ford’s Special Vehicle Team blatantly showed off in 2010 by creating the F-150 SVT Raptor. Since then, this monstrous off-road master has been given an up in power with a new 6.2 liter V8, the option for a few extra doors and for the 2012 model year, it will become even more capable. Highlighting the latest stump jumper are two key items designed to make crossing any terrain just that much easier. Not only will traction be aided with a Torsen front differential, but obstacles will be better avoided with a class-exclusive front camera.
“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.”
New for 2012 is a Torsen-sourced front differential. Using a helical gearset and working directly with the Raptor’s traction control system, the Torsen reduces slippage to the front wheels to making slow crawls more efficient. It allows for higher torque ratio delivered to the front wheels, ultimately giving them more ‘power’. Joining that power is a newly added dose of intelligence with the debut of the Raptor’s front camera system. Mounted in the front grille, the system uses the navigation screen to display obstacles up to 15 mph. This makes technical climbing less stressful as just the slightest bit of visual error can destroy an off-road attempt. Dynamic overlays will be shown on the screen as well to determine where the Raptors wheels would go depending on steering angle. With this system, a spotter is almost unneeded.
“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,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer.
Source: Ford
