Ford Motor Company has announced horsepower and torque ratings for the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor.
Equipped with the all-new 3.5-litre twin-turbo high-output EcoBoostengine, the Raptor churns out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 hp across a wide power band.
Mated to an all-new Ford-built 10-speed transmission and exclusive transfer case – and managed by a six-mode Terrain Management System – the 2017 F-150 Raptor makes good on its promise to deliver an exhilarating off-road performance truck with a base MSRP less than $50,000.
The dual-mode transfer case delivers a driving experience that supplies clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive capability for everyday driving regardless of road conditions, while also providing the confidence of a mechanically-locked, durable four-wheel drive system for severe, off-road environments.
“Raptor was designed to be a no-compromise, off-road performance machine,” said Matt Tranter, Ford Performance engineering supervisor. “That is why we made the switch from the cast-iron V8 to the aluminum block, high-output GTDI V6 EcoBoost engine that our team tuned to add 39 horsepower and 76 lb.-ft. of torque for today’s Raptor.”
Using the same high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body and a fully boxed high-strength steel frame as the current F-150 trucks, the 2017 Raptor is up to 500 pounds lighter than the 2014 model. Combined with a new high-output EcoBoost engine and 10-speed transmission, the 2017 Raptor delivers a 21 percent improved average torque-to-weight ratio and a 23 percent improvement in EPA-rated combined fuel economy compared with the previous generation Raptor.
EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the 2017 F-150 Raptor are 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.
Further building on the power-to-weight benefits, the 2017 Raptor delivers more low-RPM torque and better optimized power bands and shift points across all two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes thanks to the 10-speed transmission and torque-on-demand transfer case.
“The torque-on-demand transfer case and six-mode Terrain Management System is unique to Raptor in the Ford family of vehicles,” Tranter said. “It gives you the benefit of a clutched all-wheel-drive system for easy around-town maneuverability in bad weather. Then, there’s Baja Mode, which automatically engages a mechanically locked 4X4 high, and optimizes throttle response, shifting and boost control to provide improved off-road capability. That’s definitely drawing a line in the sand.”
All-new 3.5-litre high-output EcoBoost engine
Already robust and efficient, Ford developed the second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost, which the Ford Performance team then tuned specifically for the new Raptor.
Key 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine improvements include a new twin direct and port-fuel injection strategy, stronger and lighter crank and valvetrain components, a redesigned twin-turbocharger system with electronic wastegate, and a redesigned valvetrain and variable-displacement oil pump.
Among the high-output EcoBoost performance enhancements for Raptor are more aggressive turbo compressors with increased boost calibrations, cast stainless steel manifolds and full dual exhaust, oil-cooled pistons and more aggressive engine control calibrations.
“Looking at the torque curve of the Raptor’s EcoBoost engine, you see the twin turbos spool quicker for faster time to torque – it hammers quick and keeps delivering torque for a more brawny feel than its V8 predecessor,” said Al Cockerill, Raptor’s powertrain development engineer.
All-new 10-speed automatic transmission
The all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, standard on the 2017 Raptor, features Auto Start-Stop and an integrated electric pump that improve driving efficiency.
The transmission’s closer ratio between gears and Ford-patented hydraulic control system better optimize the power and torque curves of the new 3.5-litre high-output EcoBoost engine.
Raptor’s all-new adaptive shift algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time – ensuring the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including Raptor’s normal, sport, weather, mud/sand, rock/crawl and Baja modes. In addition, a high-speed, one-way clutch allows for non-sequential shifting.
Weight savings play a key role in improved shift performance. The 10-speed gearbox – the first from Ford not to employ cast-iron components – uses advanced materials and alloys that result in less weight. Additionally, an integrated torque converter/turbine clutch helps shed more than two pounds, while also reducing the packaging footprint.
