 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Click image to enlarge |
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2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor carries the F-150 designation for marketing purposes, as well as for the fact that it is a half-ton pick-up. However, the similarities pretty well end there as the truck shares very few components with its F-150 stable mates. If you approach this monster from the front you are immediately struck by its width and aggressive stance. In fact, the Raptor is 18 cm (7 in.) wider than a standard full-size pick-up, moving it into a category that requires it to sport marker lights at each corner (and in the grille) which add to the aggressive look. The distinctive grille is a black-out design, dominated by what has to be the largest Ford emblem ever employed on a consumer vehicle.
An aerodynamically optimized front bumper sits close to the body, and features outboard openings to help direct air flow to the engine compartment and front suspension. There are also functional hood and side air-extractor vents to help this monster breathe, a necessity in the rugged environments where the Raptor was designed to both work and play.
  2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Click image to enlarge |
A massive front skid-plate peeks out from the truck’s chin as both a styling element and functional armour – it offers protection to the engine, drivetrain and suspension components.
Heavy-duty running boards run the length of the four-door cabin to make ingress and egress a little easier. With 35-inch tires as standard equipment, even tall individuals will find these no-slip steps invaluable. They also provide the truck with protection from debris and rocks kicked up by the tires as there are no mud flaps. Wide fender flares also offer protection to the truck’s paint and body, while at the same time emphasize the Raptor’s burly stance.
The short cargo box is rated for 1,000 pounds, and can be accessed via the flip down tailgate (engineered for single hand operation) complete with Ford’s innovative integrated step and handle.
The truck is available in Molten Orange, Tuxedo Black, Blue Flame and Oxford White, and the unique graphics package (called “digital mud”) featured on my test truck is no doubt going to be a popular option.
  2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Click image to enlarge |
Once you climb into the driver’s seat you are faced with a wide-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel that proved very comfortable and allowed for very precise driver inputs during off-road driving. As outward visibility is hampered due to the width and height of this truck, especially when navigating a narrow trail or mountain pass, the design team fitted a red leather strip to the crown of the steering wheel which helps the driver know when the Raptor’s wheels are pointed straight. I must admit that this little touch proved invaluable during my time with the truck.
The dash and console are well designed and all gauges and switchgear fall readily to both hand and eye. An auxiliary switchboard comprised of four pre-wired switches has been incorporated into the dash to make adding accessories such as off-road lights and winches a breeze. Ford Racing Accessories offers a selection of light systems and light bars that have been designed for this truck.
Seating is for five adults, and as the truck is extra wide, the passenger compartment proved very spacious. As rugged as the Raptor is, it was nice to see the contrast of the luxurious leather seating and the obvious quality of the fit-and-finish throughout the cabin. Lots of grab handles are available for when the going gets bumpy, and storage cubbies seemed to be everywhere. Heavy rubber floor liners will keep dirty boots from making too much of a mess, and over-sized weather stripping does an excellent job of keeping dirt, dust and water out as well.
