SEMA 08: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor unveiled

[Slideways]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

Don't get me wrong I love that Ford is manning up and producing the Raptor but I would prefer a mainstream production offroad vehicle like the Ranger I described (I'm new to Nevada and this West Coast desert racing thing).

The first drawback of the Raptor will be its size, offroading a fullsize truck is an art (I speak from first hand experience previously owning an S10 that would fit easily on most trails and currently owning a Silverado that requires constant attention to prevent body damage while offroad).

The second drawback is the Raptor's IFS system, which no matter how much they have strengthened the components is weaker than a comparable SFA system. I like watching the videos of the Raptor running high speed through the desert basically in a straight line (which is where IFS systems typically shine) but I want to see it slow down and take sharp turns on rocky terrain without grenading IFS components and then I will be truly impressed.

I can see your point. The added width of the platform (it's 7-inches wider than a stock F-150 anyway) is probably what allows it to handle at speed. For trails and crawling a smaller vehicle would have been an easy call, but for speed, wider is better.