Ford unveils Raptor T1+ for 2025 Dakar

After finishing this year’s Dakar with a pair of Rangers in the T1+ 4x4 class, Ford will be returning to the ultimate off-road rally in 2025 with a new contender – the new Ranger-inspired ‘Raptor T1+’. Developed by Ford Performance, M-Sport and their competition partners, the Raptor T1+ made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, followed by its first race at the Baja Hungary in August.

The Raptor T1+ applies what Ford learned with the Ranger T1+, with the key change being a switch from the twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 to the 5.0-litre Coyote V8. Used in the Mustang and F-150 Raptor production vehicles, the V8 is mid-mounted in the Raptor T1+ and has  been modified for Dakar, with a bespoke dry sump system and tuned exhaust added.

Bodywork has been changed to reflect the current Ranger Raptor design, but is still in carbon fibre over a steel spaceframe chassis that’s designed to be both light and strong. To suit the demands of Dakar, the platform offers 400mm of ground clearance and a 70-degree approach angle.

As the T1+ class allows much larger wheels and longer suspension travel, the Raptor T1+ exploits this, running the same 17-inch wheels and 37-inch tyres as the Ranger T1+. Fully-independent suspension, developed in partnership with Fox, features three- and four-way adjustable dampers with remote reservoirs and provides up to 350mm of travel. This is a change from the Ranger T1+ shocks, which were built by French company, BOS.

Ford and M-Sport will run four Raptor T1+ entries at the 2025 Dakar, with Nani Roma and navigator Alex Haro returning, while Carlos Sainz and navigator Lucas Cruz will make the switch to Ford after winning this year’s Dakar with Audi. The other two driver/navigator pairings are yet to be revealed.

Roma and Haro entered the Raptor T1+ at Baja Hungary, and despite being ineligible for points, won by more than a minute. Roma said the car worked well, but needs improvement, which was the purpose of entering the Hungarian event.

The Raptor T1+ will next compete at the Rallye du Maroc in October, followed by the 2025 Dakar, which will be held on 4-17 January in Saudi Arabia.