Off-roaders test Ford Raptor

Adrenaline-junkies and off-road enthusiasts had an opportunity to push the pedal to the metal Saturday during the Ford Raptor Roundup at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, north of Maricopa.

Arizona Ford dealers and Vegas off Road Experience (VORE) teamed to put this complimentary event on for the general public and Ford F-150 Raptor SVT owners.

“Mainly the legend of this vehicle grows every year,” said Brian Wayne, a Ford Sales operation manager. “It is the only truck that you can take off-roading without paying for any upgrades. It is pretty much a race truck right off the factory line.”

The Ford Raptor hit the market in 2009 and has increased its production of the vehicle from two trucks per hour to five.

“Nobody else builds a true off-roader like Ford that rolls off the factory line and is ready to go. Dodge has tried to do this for a long time but require a customization package and modifications,” Wayne said.

The Raptor comes with a 6.2 liter V8 engine that produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. The high-intensity discharge headlights are a new addition for improved visibility, as well as the industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels added for increased grip in
low-traction areas.

Mike Self, the owner of VORE racing joined Arizona dealers to educate and ensure the safety for Raptor enthusiasts.

“We teach people how to drive the Ford Raptor. … The features it has such as you’re off road mode, or traction control mode, we teach you from bottom to top every feature about the Raptor,” Self said.