Ford could significantly expand its Raptor lineup, with Ford Racing boss Will Ford saying the performance badge is “not going anywhere” and pointing to broader plans for markets around the world. The potential expansion could include a new off-road-focused model inspired by Ford’s Dakar rally racers.
Ford Raptor Program Could Grow Globally
The Ford Raptor nameplate debuted on the F-150 for the 2010 model year before expanding to models including the Ranger and Bronco. The badge identifies high-performance variants built to enhance off-road capability, although only a few models currently carry it.
That could change as Ford looks to broaden the Raptor range globally. Will Ford told Australia’s Drive that saying the Raptor badge is “not going anywhere is an understatement.”
His comments are particularly relevant to Australia and other markets outside North America, where the Ranger is often the only model available with the Raptor badge. The report also pointed to plans to expand the Raptor lineup globally, although Ford has not disclosed the full scope of those plans.
A New Raptor Supercar Could Be Considered
One possibility is an entirely new Raptor model: an off-road-ready supercar inspired by the Blue Oval’s Dakar rally racers, including the Raptor T1+. Ford is also considering hybrid technology, which could help boost performance while reducing emissions.
The Raptor treatment includes unique bodywork, larger all-terrain tires and substantial suspension and powertrain upgrades designed to help the vehicles tackle challenging terrain at speed.
The U.S.-spec F-150 Raptor R, for example, features Fox Racing Dual-Valve shocks, 37-inch tires and a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 720 horsepower.
“We’re very committed to growing Raptor all over the world, both in North America and in markets like Australia. We’re celebrating 15 years of Raptor this year, and we’ve just built this very organic love for what Raptor is all around the world,” Will Ford said.
Ford Faces Growing Off-Road Competition
Ford’s potential Raptor expansion comes as other automakers continue investing in off-road vehicles.
Ram brought back the 1500 SRT TRX earlier this year with a more powerful 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 producing 777 horsepower, surpassing the F-150 Raptor R’s 720 hp.
Toyota, meanwhile, offers the Trailhunter as an overlanding-focused counterpart to its more performance-oriented TRD Pro models.
Ford’s plans could broaden the Raptor nameplate beyond its current lineup as the company continues its global expansion of the performance brand.
