"By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 in. at the front and 13.9 in. at the rear" to improve on- and off-road performance, Salenbauch contended. The upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor will be built at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant and is slated to go on sale in late 2018.
While the truck already had high engine output — the current 3.5L twin-turbo V6 makes 450 hp. and 510 lbs.-ft. of torque, which is more than the Raptor's previous 6.2L V8 did — the "smarter" suspension "makes it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain," the OEM claimed.
Along with the auto-adjusting shocks, a new Trail Control feature adjusts and manages the truck's speed over rugged terrain, according to Ford, and is designed to make difficult off-road driving easier. It can be activated at speeds from 1-20 mph, depending on driveline position, and allows the driver to just focus on steering.
The system does the rest. Trail Control automatically adjusts power and braking to individual wheels and can draw engine torque to overcome steep obstacles, Ford explained, and then individually brake the wheels so the truck comes down smoothly on the other side.
New optional Recaro sport seats for the pickup provide more support with bolstering in the seat back and cushion. The seat design features blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the "Light Speed" interior of the Ford GT supercar, Ford noted.
