We reported earlier this year that the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor would be getting a super-crew option. Ford has today made it official along with other upgrades for the 2011 model. In addition to being able to order the larger super-crew cab, the big 411hp 6.2 liter V8 will now be standard on all Raptors. In addition to the new standard power, the Raptor gets a new paint color, new graphics options, and increased towing capacity.
“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the super-crew , we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”
Like the 2010 model, the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.
The super-crew’s 145-inch-wheelbase provides the same 5.5-foot box as the super-cab model. The super-crew has its own specific suspension calibration to provide the same off-road capability as before. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations. The longer version offers a larger 36-gallon fuel tank and a huge 8,000 pound towing capacity.
“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the super-crew similar to that of the super-cab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the super-crew ,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the super-cab and super-crew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”
Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color, Ingot Silver Metallic. A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics, including the F-150 SVT Raptor logo, run along the hood.
Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.
The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.
“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline
is doing.”
For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.
A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.
New standard technology features for 2011 include:
-Perimeter alarm
-Integrated spotter mirror
-Express up/down driver and passenger front windows
-110 V power inverter in the center console
-Head restraint for second-row middle seat
-Telescoping steering wheel
Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year.
2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Specifications
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