OT: Ford M-Sport Raptor in Dakar with 5.0L!!

[Dakar09]

MODS: Wasn't sure where to put this, but since it's Coyote-focused power, thought it was okay here.

Not sure if any of you fellas follow the annual Dakar rally, but Ford built a custom-spec rally beast to compete in top tier rally events, including the Dakar Rally (which is now run in Saudi Arabia). I heard it on the highlight reels, and thought to myself "that sounds like a V8". Sure enough, she's a Coyote-based beast! Say what you will about Ford, but I applaud them on this. The engine has to be mostly production-spec, but some tuning is allowed.

Just thought it was cool they went that direction with the power plant choice while other manufacturers go with turbo 6's, hyped up 4 cyl, diesel, or even electric/hybrid drives. They already had the Raptor suspension sorted out, imo.

In the past, Ford has run Baja Trophy Trucks, privateers ran factory-spec F-150 Raptors, and South African teams ran Rangers. But competing in T1 is a world of it's own. (If you can't tell from my screen name, I'm a huge fan of the Dakar Rally . Started watching back in 1997)

Here's some media:
Ford M-Sport Raptor T1

Video clip:
Ford M-Sport T1 development

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[JExpedition07]

Ford did V8 power for the GT3 circuit in Le Mans this year while everyone else did V6. Ford has been on a V8 kick between the Raptor R, Mustang GT3, GTD, Bronco DR

 

[Dakar09]

Was it a Mustang they ran in GT3?

The reliability of the M-Sport Raptors has been excellent in this event. Cars are typically chewed up over the 2 weeks and 5,000 miles

Just goes to show the Coyote is no joke as an engine platform. We may not get 88 mpg, but I will always stand by the sound and feel of a V8. There's no comparison, imo.

 

[Static]

Dakar is one of my favorite events, a great way to start off the new year of racing. Definitely cool that there's a factory ford team now, I know that one guy was running a privateer raptor for several years, but the m-sport team has some real pedigree.

 

[Dakar09]

Martin Prokop, the Czech rally driver. I always rooted for him as an underdog, and he did well for a non-works driver. He's actually driving a non-works M-Sport Raptor this year.

 

[JExpedition07]

The 5.0 Coyote platform is likely the best engine in Fords arsenal for competitive events that require a balance of power and longevity. All the Shelby technology has trickled down to the production 5.0 at this point. The crankcase breathing is great, the decks are closed, strong cylinder head castings with big 12 mm head bolts. The cylinder bores are plasma transfer wire arc. There has been so much honing in over the 4 generations since 2011. We just drive a tuned down version with a mild intake cam lobe in the trucks. It still has the rest of the recipe, hence why people build these to hit 9’s all over.

If we get a gen V it would be nice to get hot side DI with another compression bump, and maybe some more cool nano ceramic technology for the pistons. With the looming regulation changes I think both the 3.5 EcoBoost and 5.0 Coyote are hitting the end of their product life cycle though. We will see, perhaps they will come up with more upgrades for both.

 

[Dakar09]

Great breakdown @JExpedition07 !

Results are two Ford M-Sport Raptor T1s in the top 5!! One took a podium at 3rd, other finished in 5th. Outstanding results for the new team!

 

[Dakar09]

For those who've never seen the Dakar. This highlight reel will give you the "feels" of the event. It's epic.

Dakar 2025 highlight reel

 

[powerboatr]

BBC had a show on the other night featuring this desert running vehicle
Wholy cow.. it's a machine

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