In June, Ford Performance made an exciting announcement - their entry into the prestigious Dakar Rally. The chosen vehicle for this debut is the camouflaged shorty Ford Ranger T1+ truck, developed in collaboration with M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM). Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, this truck is set to take on the tough competition in the top class. Join me as we explore the features, development, and ambitions of Ford Performance in the upcoming Dakar Rally.
The Powerful Ford Ranger T1+ Truck
Discover the impressive features of the Ford Ranger T1+ truck, the chosen ride for Ford Performance's Dakar Rally debut.
The Ford Ranger T1+ truck is the result of collaboration between Ford Performance, M-Sport, and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM). This powerful truck is based on the previous-generation Ranger and is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. With its camouflaged design, it exudes a sense of mystery and excitement.
One of the notable features of the Ranger T1+ is its Reiger suspension system, which enhances its off-road capabilities. The suspension incorporates a new damper and wishbone setup, optimized for rally raid performance. This ensures a smooth ride over challenging terrains, making it a formidable contender in the Dakar Rally.
Development and Testing
Learn about the extensive development and testing process the Ford Ranger T1+ truck underwent to prepare for the Dakar Rally.
The Ford Ranger T1+ truck has undergone rigorous development and testing to ensure its reliability and performance in the demanding Dakar Rally. Over 6,000 miles of testing were conducted, spanning from South Africa to the Middle East. The truck even participated in races like the Baja Aragon and Rally du Maroc to fine-tune its capabilities.
Working closely with NWM and M-Sport, Ford Performance has leveraged their expertise in rally racing to optimize the Ranger T1+. The extensive testing and race participation have provided valuable insights and allowed the team to make necessary adjustments for the ultimate performance in the Dakar Rally.
Meet the Team
Get to know the talented drivers who will be piloting the Ford Ranger T1+ truck in the Dakar Rally.
The Ford Ranger T1+ truck will be driven by two accomplished individuals - Nani Roma and Gareth Woolridge. Nani Roma is a seasoned rally racer, having previously won the Dakar Rally in both cars and bikes. His experience and skill make him a valuable asset to the team.
Gareth Woolridge, on the other hand, leads the new vehicle assembly team at NWM and is a champion in the South African Rally-Raid Championship. His expertise in vehicle assembly and rally racing will contribute to the overall success of the Ford Performance team in the Dakar Rally.
Ambitions for the Dakar Rally
Discover Ford Performance's goals and ambitions for the Dakar Rally, including their plans for future victories.
While Ford Performance is entering the Dakar Rally for the first time, their ambitions are high. The primary goal for this year's race is to gain valuable experience and knowledge, aiming to finish the race successfully. However, their long-term vision is to achieve victory in the Dakar Rally by 2025 with a new truck based on the all-new Ranger Raptor.
By participating in the Dakar Rally, Ford Performance aims to push the limits of their engineering and showcase the capabilities of their vehicles. The competition against established brands like Mini, Audi, Prodrive, and Toyota will be fierce, but Ford Performance is determined to make their mark in the world of rally racing.