• by Tanya Gazdik , May 24, 2018

Ford is aiming to make its best-selling F-150 pickup truck even more desirable to the off-road performance-aware consumer. 

An upgraded F-150 Raptor offers smarter shocks and new trail control. Upgraded technology includes class-exclusive, electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and all-new Recaro sport seats. 

The upgrades are focused on key components that have made F-150 Raptor the benchmark in off-road trucks for an even tougher, smarter, more capable trail runner, according to the automaker.

The 2019 F-150 Raptor goes on sale in late 2018.

“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle program, in a release. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark — again.” 

Paired with Raptor’s Terrain Management System, Live Valve suspension technology can increase the truck’s high-speed off-road capability while also enabling smooth on-road driving performance.

“Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are midair,” said Salenbauch. “Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.” 

Low-speed performance off-road is also improved. New Trail Control helps F-150 Raptor drivers navigate challenging conditions. It’s like cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain, automatically adjusting power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering over rugged terrain. Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on driveline position. 

The system aims to make everything easier — from driving on a simple two-track trail to traversing a rocky hill climb. Not only can Trail Control automatically draw significant engine torque to overcome steep obstacles, it can individually brake the wheels so the truck comes down smoothly on the other side.