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2021 FORD F-150 RAPTOR IS A “GOLDILOCKS” OF TRUCK DESIGN

Drawing Inspiration From Both Previous Models, Ford Says They Nailed It

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor drew a lot of inspiration from both of its predecessors
Image Via Ford.

The debut of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor marks the start of the third-generation of the off-roading icon. As one might expect, this new hopped-up pickup is the most capable offering yet, thanks to a new five-link rear end with coil springs, as well as 37-inch tires straight from the factory. Off-road capability wasn’t the only area of the truck that Ford spent a lot of time working on however. The design of this new baja-bashing F-150 was carefully thought over, drawing inspiration from both fighter jets and its predecessors. In fact, Ford says that this new offering is a sort of goldilocks model in terms of Raptor design.

When it came time to design the new 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, the team in Dearborn decided to draw on their favorite parts from the past two trucks. The first generation truck became an icon due to its flared out body panels and unique grille treatment, giving it a genuine baja-ready look. That said, the first Raptor lacked some surface refinement according to Ford. They addressed this issue with the second-gen model, giving it a more taught and muscular look with more defined body lines. This worked, but the truck suddenly lacked some of the robust vault-like character of its predecessor. In order to craft the perfect version of their premier half-ton pickup, Ford decided to mash the trucks together.

“We took key design learnings from previous F-150 Raptor trucks and created our best off-road racer yet,” said Ehab Kaoud, chief designer, Ford trucks. “Not only have we maximized width and sculpted the sheet metal so it looks indestructible, but F-150 Raptor now appears lighter and more nimble, looking as if it could fly across open desert.”

Thanks to some new images provided to MC&T by Ford, this design combination can be seen much more clearly. This is particularly true in the front facia of the truck, where Ford has once again expanded the front grille and made the front fender flares much more dramatic. While we still have a soft spot for the first-gen F-150 Raptor, this new truck is a looker without question.

Which Ford F-150 Raptor generation is your favorite in terms of design, and what would you have liked to have seen Ford do differently with the 2021 model? Let us know down below.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor drew a lot of inspiration from both of its predecessors
Image Via Ford.

Written by Lucas Bell

Lucas holds a journalism degree from Wayne State University, and is a Automotive Press Association scholarship recipient. While an American muscle fan through and through, he once wrote a fascinating comparison review about eScooters.

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