Mark Rushbrook 01.30.25
Like many off-road enthusiasts, I’ve long been inspired by the trophy trucks that compete in desert races like the Baja 1000. These high-performance rigs represent the peak of off-road capability, soaking up monster ruts, whoops and jumps at speeds of more than 120 mph.
Nearly two decades ago, these trucks sparked an idea at Ford. And like the company has done so often throughout its history, we aspired to make an idea accessible to more people, this time by expanding the boundaries of performance from solely pavement-focused to include off-roading.
It’s the same spirit that led Mustang to become a global track champion. Could we do the same and create an entirely new product that could dominate in punishing desert terrain?
So, we pulled together a small skunk works team of engineers, designers and off-road enthusiasts to prove out the idea. They created early prototypes that proved the idea could work – but would it be embraced by customers? As can happen, word leaked out to media and the internet about our project, codenamed ‘Raptor.’ We could see in real-time online (a big deal back then) that there was strong interest in the concept of a go-fast, long-travel desert racer from the factory and just as strong enthusiasm for the Raptor name. So much so that the codename became the name of the truck – F-150 Raptor.
It’s now been 15 years since we first delivered the original F-150 Raptor to customers in the U.S. The answer is “yes.”
Our north star for Raptor’s innovative performance: it had to be about more than horsepower and style. We had to create a high-performance suspension capable of handling desert conditions that can literally change shape overnight or from lap to lap.
Where the crown jewel of a performance car is often its engine, Raptor’s crown jewel is its suspension.
Nothing demonstrates our quest to prove out technology through racing more than what we’ve done with FOX shocks.
In 2010, the first-generation F-150 Raptor came with 2.5-inch passive internal bypass dampers – an innovation that set a new off-road capability benchmark at the time. These long travel shocks gave the truck the ability to maintain high speeds over rough terrain, delivering durability and comfort, similar to a trophy truck.
Even so, our Baja F-150 Raptor R race truck still had to use special Fox external bypass shocks its first time out at the Baja 1000.
But with each generation of Raptor, we collaborated with FOX to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
For the second generation, we increased shock size to 3-inches for even more capability off-road. With this increase in capability, we could forego external bypass shocks in our Baja 1000 race truck and use a slightly modified version of our production shocks.
And then we introduced digital technology by adding Live Valve suspension controls to better manage compression performance when the truck is trying to soak up the terrain. This combination of hardware and software took us to new levels of performance and new ways to change shock performance based on driving mode and driving surface.
By the time the third-generation 2024 F-150 Raptor came around, it was equipped with 3-inch dual Live Valve dampers – technology that adjusts in real-time based on terrain and driver input both the compression and rebound performance. These shocks don’t just smooth out the ride; they actively adapt to it, helping to deliver control and comfort at any speed.
Understanding how software could allow us even greater capability unlocked new opportunities for us to continue improving Raptor. Last year, for example, we delivered software calibration so that some existing Raptor owners could achieve better low-end torque and horsepower.
Our work with Fox continues. We just wrapped a podium finish at the Dakar Rally with our new rally-raid Raptor T1+, and after testing many different types of shocks and dampers, the FOX solution was the one our drivers preferred, not only for their performance, but also for their comfort over long days and the toughest environments.
Over the years, the Raptor brand has expanded to meet the needs of more diverse customers. While the F-150 Raptor remains the flagship, in 2019 we expanded the Raptor lineup with Ranger Raptor for global truck customers and in 2021 we expanded further with Bronco Raptor, the world’s first Ultra4 racing-inspired SUV.
The Ranger Raptor brings the thrill of high-speed desert running for those customers who want capability in a smaller package while Bronco Raptor gives customers Raptor performance ideal for tackling technical trails and rock crawling – and with heritage style.
While each Raptor model has its own personality, all share a common DNA: precision engineering and race-inspired performance to allow our customers to push boundaries.
One of the most rewarding parts of Raptor’s journey has been seeing the community that has grown around it.
We’ve served hundreds of thousands of Raptor customers over the last 15 years.
Raptor owners are passionate, skilled, and always ready for their next adventure, whether that’s tackling mountain trails or attending events like the inaugural Raptor Rally last year, which is coming back for 2025.
Hundreds of Raptor community members joined us in Utah to hang out, play in the dirt, and meet us at Ford Raptor Assault School in Utah.
And some Raptor customers were excited enough to join us after traveling long distances, including a customer who drove their Bronco Raptor from Nova Scotia to Utah and another customer that flew in for the event from Vietnam.
Raptor Assault School also helps strengthen owner knowledge of their vehicles. It’s where all Raptor customers can go to receive expert instruction in the full capabilities of their truck and another reason why owning a Raptor is so unique.
As we celebrate 15 years of Raptor, we’re proud of how far we’ve come – but we’re even more excited about what’s next because the future of off-road performance is always evolving
And our Dakar Raptor T1+ race trucks represent Raptor in its purest form, setting a new north star for the future. Recently, in the first year of racing, our Raptor T1+ took third place in its class at the 2025 Dakar Rally. We can’t wait to compete again next year.
That’s our Raptor brand promise. It’s about no-compromise capability, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. It invites drivers to embrace adventure and conquer new challenges, creating stories and memories as they go.
The road to get to this point, well, let’s just say it was as challenging as the Baja terrain every Raptor vehicle is designed for. And that’s just the way we like it.
Mark Rushbrook is global director of Ford Performance.
