The F-150 Raptor is your go-to car if you want to traverse the off-roads fast and comfortably. The pick-up truck which is in its second generation is in fact yet to get a genuine competitor. Ford has just made the job harder for rivals by making several upgrades on the model. The new upgrades will be available starting with the 2019 model year. The updates are focused on the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor suspension, vehicle control, and passenger comfort.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor -What are the new changes?
Performance, especially off-road performance is very important for the Raptor. To enhance its performance capability, Ford has added electronically adjusted Fox Racing Shocks which offer infinite compressions to facilitate continuous damping. The new system features adjusters that are connected to sensors which detect the driving mode the vehicle is in as well as the condition of the road and then adjust the suspension system accordingly. This has enhanced ride comfort and improved handling as well as bottom-out resistance which enables the pick-up truck to traverse the off-roads even faster.
Ford has also introduced a new system dubbed “Trail Control”; it works like a cruise control system. The system maintains the vehicle speed and adjusts power sent to each wheel and the brakes of each wheel to overcome obstacles more easily. This system is similar to Toyota’s Crawl Control system. The system is active between speeds of 1 to 20 mph.
Three new exterior colors are available for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor; they include Ford Performance Blue, Agate Black and Velocity Blue. Shadow Black, Avalanche and Lightning Blue exterior colors have been retired. There are also new wheels which can be fitted with bead locks to help prevent tires of the vehicle from coming off when tire pressure becomes low. The wheels, however, remain 17-inch in size; they are still be wrapped in 35-inch tires.
Although there are minor changes on the body which are not noticeable, the tweak on the FORD Badge is prominent; the letters stand out compared to the outgoing model as they look more three-dimensional.
Inside, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor will be available in the standard Black or Light Speed Blue which is borrowed from the highest performing Ford GT supercar. The Light Speed Blue shade is used for the optional Recaro seats that also feature Alcantara inserts. This is the first time Ford is offering Recaro seats on the F-150 Raptor. The seats will be available through a package that also features a carbon-fiber trim on the truck’s dash, doors as well as the shifter.
Engine and performance
There are no mechanical changes for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor; the truck didn’t need them anyway as the current mill is even good enough for drifting if you feel like it. The mill is a twin-turbocharged 3.5 L, EcoBoost V-6. It produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The engine still mates to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Price and release date
Prices of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor will increase slightly to reflect the new changes. For comparison, the 2018 model has an asking price of $50,115.
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