Ford F-150 Raptor performance ratings released

Ford announced horsepower and torque ratings this week for its 2017 F-150 Raptor. Photo: FordFord announced horsepower and torque ratings this week for its 2017 F-150 Raptor.
Photo: Ford

Ford announced horsepower and torque ratings this week for its 2017 F-150 Raptor and released a new video (below) that demonstrates the truck’s off-road capabilities.

Equipped with the all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbo high-output EcoBoost engine, the Raptor churns out 510 lb.-ft. of torque and 450 horsepower across a wide power band.

Even with a new engine, a new 10-speed transmission and exclusive transfer case, managed by a six-mode Terrain Management System, Ford has kept the base MSRP for its latest Raptor below $50,000.

“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.

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.”

New 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost engine

Ford developed the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which the Ford Performance team then tuned specifically for the new Raptor.

The 2017 Raptor is up to 500 pounds lighter than the 2014 model. Photo: FordThe 2017 Raptor is up to 500 pounds lighter than the 2014 model.
Photo: Ford

Key 3.5-liter 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 brawnier feel than its V8 predecessor,” said Al Cockerill, Raptor’s powertrain development engineer.

New 10-speed automatic transmission

The 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-liter high-output EcoBoost engine.

Raptor’s all-new adaptive shift algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time to help ensure the transmission is in the right gear at the right time.

Transmission modes include 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.

Here’s Ford’s video about the 2017 F-150 Raptor:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was prepared by the staff of Hard Working Trucks, a sister publication.

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