Ford is making a few changes to make the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor an even more capable high-speed performance truck. Among the most significant pieces of engineering in the new Raptor is that a locking differential will be available for the independent front suspension.
Last year’s Raptor had an open front differential and locking rear. For 2012, Raptors will continue to be offered with the electrically actuated rear locking differential, but now a traction-tuned front Torsen differential will be offered, too. A Torsen differential is a set of cams (as opposed to plates) that will ramp up on one another, causing full differential lockup when the truck senses a certain amount of slip between the right and left tires. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows the vehicle to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades even when the traction is split between the front tires.
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Also, Ford is now equipping all SVT Raptors with a front camera option to allow drivers to see what’s happening directly in front of each tire. The system can be used like an extra spotter if the driver decides to challenge tough terrain alone. The camera can be activated only below a certain speed and when the vehicle is in low range. The view is displayed on an 8-inch screen in the center stack. The camera is mounted in the grille and includes a dedicated washer function that is activated by pressing a lever on the left steering-column stalk.
Finally, all 2012 Raptors will have a series of interior and exterior styling changes to help further separate it from 2011 models. Exterior changes include a new Raptor logo and a graphics package based around two diagonal stripes with jagged lines and shapes.
Inside, a new matte Anodized Blue interior color accent will replace the existing color. The new package includes accent leather-trimmed front seats with unique leather inserts and accents on the center stack, rear seat inserts and door panels. Aluminum trim accents are also used on the instrument panel and center console.
Also new for 2012 is the addition of cooled seats to the optional Luxury Package and a new Euroflange wheel with balancing weights on the inside to better protect from off-road debris and obstacles. The 2012 Raptors, in both SuperCab and SuperCrew cab configurations (the latter of which has an 80-percent take rate), will continue to use the 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 and run 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
The new Raptors are expected to arrive at the end of November.