The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is taking place this weekend in England. Many automakers have taken the opportunity to unveil news products at the showcase. The latest to be uncovered is the Ford Raptor T1+. This bespoke machine has been created with one goal in mind: to win the Dakar Rally.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

“Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge. To embrace this challenge, we have partnered with the best in the world with M-Sport and Red Bull and I think it shows how seriously we are taking this project. The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision – we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.”
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports.

Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

A Step Up

Of course, ardent fans already know that Ford has been competing in off-road events for many years. The Ford Raptor T1+ takes things to a new levels as the machine is a bespoke creation that uses all the lessons learned along the way. The Ford Raptor T1+ has already completed 10 000 km of testing.

The new Ford Raptor T1+ will be driven by four teams of drivers and navigators. This includes rally drivers Carlos Sainz Sr. with navigator Lucas Cruz, and Nani Roma with navigator Alex Haro. Additional teams of drivers will be announced later this year. These teams will compete in the Baja Hungary next month followed by the Rally du Maroc later this year. They will also line up at the 2025 Dakar Rally in January.

Key Features of the Ford Raptor T1+

  • 5,0-litre Coyote-based V8 engine
  • Composed of T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fibre body panels.
  • Front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension 350 mm of wheel travel
  • 400 mm of ground clearance with an approach angle of over 70 degrees
  • 8,5-inch by 17-inch aluminum wheels with 37-inch tyres
  • 355 mm Alcon ventilated discs and six piston monoblock calipers.