Ford hints at Raptor-branded off-road supercar

Jet Sanchez
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Could Ford’s next flagship be an off-road supercar with Dakar DNA?

Could Ford’s next flagship be an off-road supercar with Dakar DNA?

Ford is preparing a new high-performance flagship, but instead of following in the footsteps of the track-focused GT supercar, its next hero vehicle could draw inspiration from the brand’s off-road dominance.

In a recent conversation with Top Gear, Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed his vision for the brand to become the “Porsche of off-road.” 

This ambition could materialise in the form of a standalone Raptor-branded supercar designed for extreme terrain rather than the racetrack.

Off-road supercar in the works?

Ford Raptor T1+
Ford Raptor T1+

Unlike the Ranger Raptor we recently reviewed, which is a performance-enhanced version of the popular Ranger ute, Ford’s potential off-road supercar would be an entirely new creation. 

The project is still in its early stages, with Farley confirming that the company is actively exploring the concept.

“We’re in the middle of creating something, so we don’t have all the answers yet,” Farley told Top Gear. “But the question is: should Ford make an off-road supercar? Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar.”

The move would align with Ford’s growing presence in high-performance off-road racing, particularly its involvement in the gruelling Dakar Rally with the Raptor T1+.

Dakar DNA, but not a direct adaptation

Ford Raptor T1+

Although the Raptor T1+ secured a podium finish in its first Dakar outing, any road-going Raptor flagship is unlikely to be a direct derivative. 

The rally-spec machine, built by M-Sport in the UK, features a steel spaceframe chassis, lightweight carbon-fibre body panels and a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine. However, elements of its design and performance philosophy could influence Ford’s off-road supercar project.

Ford Performance’s global director, Mark Rushbrook, reinforced the brand’s commitment to motorsport-driven development. “The mission of Ford Performance is to have as much motorsport as possible infused into the products that people can buy,” he stated. “We love that we have an F-150, Bronco and Ranger Raptor, but we can do more.”

What form will Ford’s Raptor supercar take?

Ford Raptor T1+

With Ford actively debating the next step, speculation is rife over what form its Raptor-branded supercar could take. 

Will it be a high-riding monster ute? A hardcore SUV rival to the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue? Or an entirely new breed of off-road performance machine?

Whatever Ford decides, the project promises to push the boundaries of what a high-performance off-road vehicle can be. Enthusiasts will have to stay tuned for further developments.

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