2016 [2017*] Raptor test mule spy shots

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

BAJASVT

FRF Addict
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Posts
1,029
Reaction score
475
Location
SE Michigan
There appears to be a purple ORV decal on the rear bumper. Both 2010 and 2013 were purple, but most of the 2010 decals were the vertical style like the one on this truck. Based on the headlights, all the current Raptor parts are probably from an old 2010 mule.

Also, the truck has a Michigan m-plate on it and the other vehicles in the photos are camouflaged test vehicles as well, but these photos definitely weren't taken in Michigan unless we suddenly grew mountains that I'm not aware of.
 

treatcg

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2013
Posts
299
Reaction score
108
Location
Oklahoma
This "voodoo" motor sounds interesting.

The first is a twin-turbocharged V-8, code-named “Voodoo,” which displaces between 5.0 and 5.5 liters and, most intriguingly, has a “flat-plane” or 180-degree crankshaft, as Ferrari has used in its V-8s since 1973. This configuration, also found in the late Lotus Esprit V-8, is akin to connecting two four-cylinder banks to a common crankshaft. Flat cranks theoretically improve power, throttle response, and the soundtrack at the expense of greater vibration. This EcoBoost V-8 will produce between 550 and 600 horses. It will power a Shelby GT350–branded model that eventually will take over from the GT500, as Ford is desperate to discontinue that car’s costly and thirsty Trinity.
 

Darthyota

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2014
Posts
667
Reaction score
149
Location
Alberta Canada
This "voodoo" motor sounds interesting.

The first is a twin-turbocharged V-8, code-named “Voodoo,” which displaces between 5.0 and 5.5 liters and, most intriguingly, has a “flat-plane” or 180-degree crankshaft, as Ferrari has used in its V-8s since 1973. This configuration, also found in the late Lotus Esprit V-8, is akin to connecting two four-cylinder banks to a common crankshaft. Flat cranks theoretically improve power, throttle response, and the soundtrack at the expense of greater vibration. This EcoBoost V-8 will produce between 550 and 600 horses. It will power a Shelby GT350–branded model that eventually will take over from the GT500, as Ford is desperate to discontinue that car’s costly and thirsty Trinity.

i know i like the sounds of that already :win:
 

BlackReef

Active Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Posts
79
Reaction score
30
Man, I can't believe how many ********* post on this forum.

This vehicle is called a TEST MULE. Ford is certainly testing the next-gen Raptor. They throw on old parts to stay discreet and for development purposes. They are more than likely testing the drivetrain, new engine for a certain part of their comprehensive test. The next mule we may see will probably have the shocks, etc.

stay sharp.
 

Az Scooter

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2013
Posts
602
Reaction score
209
There appears to be a purple ORV decal on the rear bumper. Both 2010 and 2013 were purple, but most of the 2010 decals were the vertical style like the one on this truck. Based on the headlights, all the current Raptor parts are probably from an old 2010 mule.

Also, the truck has a Michigan m-plate on it and the other vehicles in the photos are camouflaged test vehicles as well, but these photos definitely weren't taken in Michigan unless we suddenly grew mountains that I'm not aware of.

Ford has a huge test facility outside of Kingman, Arizona, which if I was a betting man, I would put down good money that is where the vehicle was photographed. All of the test vehicles, even the ones in Arizona, have Michigan Manufacturer plates. That is one of the fastest ways to spot a Test Mule.
 
OP
OP
GearTripper

GearTripper

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Posts
36
Reaction score
7
Location
New Jersey
Not sure if these have been shown here before or not...
 

Attachments

  • Raptor_exh02_KGP_ed-2679182287-O.jpg
    Raptor_exh02_KGP_ed-2679182287-O.jpg
    49.1 KB · Views: 188
  • Raptor_exh07_KGP_ed-2679182846-O.jpg
    Raptor_exh07_KGP_ed-2679182846-O.jpg
    48.4 KB · Views: 178

DezertRacer

Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Apr 18, 2014
Posts
632
Reaction score
256
Location
Las Vegas,NV
Ford has a huge test facility outside of Kingman, Arizona, which if I was a betting man, I would put down good money that is where the vehicle was photographed. All of the test vehicles, even the ones in Arizona, have Michigan Manufacturer plates. That is one of the fastest ways to spot a Test Mule.

Correct, the facility is called the "Proving grounds" and its between Kingman and lake havasu city on I40 . You can drive right up to the gate . Ford does a huge amount of testing there you can see the dirt roads and such from the interstate. They also show on the ford website in the new f150 testing and say they test almost every single vehicle at the Davis dam section of road in Arizona due to the certain grade and extreme temps there .
 

Forum statistics

Threads
95,505
Posts
2,010,344
Members
59,113
Latest member
SK Raptor R
Top