In order to appeal to a broader range of customers, the all new Ford F-150 Raptor, the most powerful version of the popular pick-up, is available with six special driving modes. Ford detailed them each so we know how the Raptor should be handled depending on the situation.
The Normal mode is for everyday on-road driving duties. The Sport mode is for spirited on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response and provides a sportier steering feel, along with quicker shifting. The transmission holds gears longer to keep you in the power band.
The Weather mode is needed when road conditions are less than ideal. Snow/wet mode automatically engages 4 Auto. AdvanceTrac, throttle response and the shift schedule are optimized for greater confidence in slippery conditions.
For tackling trails and other off-road treks, the Mud/Sand setting is your best friend. 4 High and the electronic locking differential automatically engage for driving over loose or soft ground. Steering is set to comfort, which makes it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles.
And there is also the Baja mode where Raptor eclipses the competition. Designed for high-speed desert running, Baja mode places the vehicle in 4 High, AdvanceTrac is programmed to the least intrusive settings, and the throttle map is adjusted for more linear power and improved engine response to give the hardcore off-road driver greater control. The transmission has quicker shifts and holds gears longer, keeping the vehicle in its power band.
Finally there is Rock Crawl. This setting is for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds. Rock crawl prompts the driver to place the vehicle in 4 Low, the electronic locking differential is automatically engaged and AdvanceTrac is set to the least intrusive settings for optimum rock-climbing ability. Throttle modulation and transmission response are optimized for greater control. Additionally, the front camera allows the driver to see what’s right in front of the truck, and it can be kept on at speeds up to 15 mph.
Along with the individual AdvanceTrac settings tied to drive modes, Raptor continues the Ford Performance tradition of allowing the driver to program the system’s settings to match conditions and skill level. The driver can reduce traction control but keep stability control on with a single press of the electronic stability control button; or, by holding the button for five seconds, the driver can turn AdvanceTrac settings off.
