2010 Ford F-150 News: SVT Raptor, Harley-Davidson Editions
Erase from your memory the F-150 Lightning, SVT's tire-smoking sports car/pickup. For 2010, SVT went the extreme opposite direction with the F-150 SVT Raptor: A mogul-jumping, off-road desert runner. Raising the number of F-150 models to nine is the Harley-Davidson F-150 edition, which features 22-inch-diameter polished, forged aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tips and Harley-Davidson graphics and logos on just about every available space.
Existing models get several new features, too. A chrome billet grille is available on the XLT Chrome package, a chrome mesh grille insert comes on the Lariat Chrome package and black tubular running boards are available on the XL Regular Cab and SuperCab.
The first F-150 SVT Raptors will come with the 320-hp, 390 lb.-ft. torque, 5.4-liter V8 offered in other F-150s. Available later will be a 6.2-liter V8 with approximately 400 hp that'll launch the SVT Raptor into low-earth-orbit if you can find the right jump. Just make sure to nail the landing after re-entry. In addition to the Raptor's 6.2L V8 (which will come with a six-speed automatic), the 2010 F-150 is available with three engines, all V-8s: a 320-horsepower, 5.4-liter; a three-valve-per-cylinder 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter; and a two-valve-per-cylinder 248-horsepower 4.6-liter.
The first two come with a six-speed automatic, while the two-valve 4.6L is mated to a four-speed automatic. A two-wheel-drive F-150 with the 4.6-liter, three-valve engine is EPA estimated at 21 miles per gallon on the government's highway driving cycle. A 2WD 5.4-liter will achieve 20 mpg on the highway.
Some keys to successful desert race trucks are long suspension travel to soak up bumps and keep the drive wheels on the ground, robust shock absorbers with extra fluid reservoirs to prevent overheating, and reinforced suspension components to stand up to the constant pounding. The Raptor has over 12 inches of travel in the rear suspension and over 11 up front. While long for a stock vehicle, it's far less than half of pure race trucks, so don't challenge Robbie Gordon to a desert duel.
The Raptor is equipped with specially designed Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers, designed to maintain their performance over miles of washboard surfaces. To take the pounding of a sprint through the desert, Ford added a beefier rear axle housing and a completely new front suspension with strong upper and lower control arms and stronger tire rods, among other enhancements. In addition the Raptor has a seven-inch wider track - the distance between tires on the same axle - to improve stability while bouncing between the sagebrush and yucca plants.
For situations where deep sand or mud slow progress, the Raptor has a locking rear differential. In addition, selecting the off-road mode disables the electronic driver aids (electronic stability control and traction control) and switches the logarithm of the anti-lock brakes to a more off-road- appropriate setting. The Raptor is fitted with giant 315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO tires. These 35-inch diameter tires add ground clearance to help avoid contact with rocks. Just in case that's not enough clearance, the Raptor comes standard with heavy-duty skid plates to protect the oil pan, transmission and other key bits under the vehicle.
Visually, the Raptor has a unique grille, front bumper and fenders. Inside, there's a revised console. The steering wheel features an orange stripe at the top, similar to those found on NASCAR racecars, to help the driver know how far the wheel is turned in case he loses track in the excitement. The Raptor is available only as a four-wheel-drive SuperCab with a 5.5-foot bed.
Studies have shown that many Harley riders like to tow their motorcycles to events, rather than eat June bugs all the way there and back. And the Ford F-150 is one of their most popular choices for that tow work, with Ford's Trailer Sway Control. Whether they know it or not, the 2010 Ford F-150's biggest advantage for Harley pullers is how Ford has reprogrammed the pickup's electronic stability control system computer to recognize when the trailer begins to sway then react to quell trailer motion by applying individual brakes or reducing acceleration. Also, an optional in-dash trailer brake controller prevents the bruised knees and scraped shins common with aftermarket controllers. And let's not forget...there are Harley-Davidson logos on the sides, front fenders, tailgate, ignition key, door trim panels, the windshield and a few other places.
The F-150 continues its reign as the "favorite" among pickups. The SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson F-150 editions will only add to that lead.
(ArticlesBase SC #1299764)
Article Tags:
performance
,truck
,Review
,Pricing
,Harley Davidson
,mileage
,road test
,raptor
,2010 Ford F-150
,SVT
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor First Drive
Supercar reviews and tests. This auto video will focus on the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor first drive. (06:27)
Learn about the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Truck Trend Editor, Mark Williams, heads out to the desert outside of Las Vegas, NV to have a look at Ford's off-road rocket (02:20)
Auto News Update - 11/30/2009
Chevrolet reveals the 2011 Cruze ahead of the L.A. Auto Show, 9ff tunes the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio, there's some news on the replacement for Ferrari's famed Enzo. Also some crazy BMW X6 M and Ford SVT Raptor car porn. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis. (07:34)
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 First Drive
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 car review - Garage419 season one finale (13:31)
A Top Speed Record Holder Gets Environmental
A top-speed record holder gets environmentally friendly, Aston Martin shows off its new GT and we get a look at the new Ford Raptor pickup at the Detroit auto show. (06:09)
If you drive a Dodge Caliber, you should consider getting a Dodge Caliber extended warranty. If you are an American resident, use the link below to get a FREE quote for an extended warranty for your Dodge. Dodge Caliber Extended Warranty - Get A Free Quote on Dodge Caliber Extended Warranty:
If you drive a Chrysler PT Cruiser, you should consider getting a Chrysler PT Cruiser extended warranty. If you are an American resident, use the link below to get a FREE quote for an extended warranty for your Chrysler. Chrysler PT Cruiser Extended Warranty - Get A Free Quote on Chrysler PT Cruiser Extended Warranty:
If you drive a Chrysler Aspen, you should consider getting a Chrysler Aspen extended warranty. If you are an American resident, use the link below to get a FREE quote for an extended warranty for your Chrysler. Chrysler Aspen Extended Warranty - Get A Free Quote on Chrysler Aspen Extended Warranty:
With the state of the economic system today, it is very important to take care of your own possessions, especially the expensive items like motor vehicles. It will be much more cost effective to keep them running well, even though we should trade them off every few years. If they are in good condition, the trade in value will probably be higher. If we choose to keep them until they give out, that will not happen for a long time if we take good care of them. Whenever we get regular main...
http://Indianapolis-Chevy.com Chevy Dealership Indianapolis http://Indianapolis-Chevy.com Do you live in Indianapolis, IN and are considering or doubtless already have your intelligence made up about purchasing a new vehicle? If your answer's yes, then look into a Chevy. At www.Indianapolis-Chevy.com you'll find info on how we can help you regarding your automobile buying wants. Chevy being one of the oldest American auto firms has a superb auto line-up, and our inventory is ...
http://OrlandoRV.biz RV Offers in Orlando http://OrlandoRV.biz Been considering Orlando as a holiday spot but do not know what's available aside from Disney World? Look to OrlandoRV.biz for the answers. OrlandoRV.biz features services in the folowing zip codes in and around Orlando : 32617, 32123, 33513, 32702, 32701, 32816, 32976, 34743, 33820 and 34420. If using the PC is not convenient when traveling, then call OrlandoRV.biz at ( 904 ) 562-3254. Perhaps you have latel...
If you drive a Cadillac DTS, you should consider getting a Cadillac DTS extended warranty. If you are an American resident, use the link below to get a FREE quote for an extended warranty for your Cadillac. Cadillac DTS Extended Warranty - Get A Free Quote on Cadillac DTS Extended Warranty:
If you drive a Audi A3, you should consider getting a Audi A3 extended warranty. If you are an American resident, use the link below to get a FREE quote for an extended warranty for your Audi. Audi A3 Extended Warranty - Get A Free Quote on Audi A3 Extended Warranty:
Years ago, if you wanted airbags on your car, they were more than likely available only as an optional feature. However, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) learned through traffic accident statistics and vehicle crash testing, that your chances of surviving a high-speed accident increased dramatically when a vehicle included airbags.
A comprehensive review any truck enthusiast would enjoy. Think Ford SVT (Special Vehicle Team) and you probably think quick, as in Mustang Cobra, and fast, as in Ford's SVT Lightning street truck. Now taking performance truck driving to a whole new venue is the all-new F-150 SVT Raptor, an extreme off-road race truck built for desert runs and daily driving.
The 2010 Honda Pilot is a practical alternative to the expensive-to-own SUV because it offers the same commanding view of the road, three rows of seating, cargo-carrying options, award-winning safety technology and advanced engine and handling technology ? all at a price that won?t eat up your entire budget.
MINI enthisiasts will enjoy this comprehensive road review. The most entertaining thing about the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works is its balance between power and handling. Its turbocharged, 208-horspower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection is in perfect harmony with its 205/45R17 Continental SportContact SSRs and sweetly tuned suspension.
For the fifth consecutive year the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has named the natural gas-fueled Honda Civic GX the "greenest vehicle of the year." The Civic GX, which Honda says has the cleanest internal combustion engine on the market, is not well known even among auto enthusiasts.
Toyota SUV enthusiasts will enjoy this comprehensive review of the 2009 Toyota RAV4. Better get 'em while they're hot and available, the 2009 Toyota RAV4 V6, that is—a very quick, roomy, flexible sport-utility vehicle that may sadly go away thanks to the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that take effect in 2016.
Cars in every major racing series and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe have a few things in common: They're rear-wheel-drive, quick, responsive and fast. But the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T is priced under $25,000. Its standard engine is a 210-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder that makes 230 pound-feet of torque at a very low 2,000 rpm.
Honda enthusiasts will enjoy this comprehensive review on the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe. Say "Honda Accord" and most will think: boring but reliable and economical transportation. The 2009 Honda Accord Coupe requires new word associations: "attractive and fast."
0