30 years ago, many people came to know about a dinosaur that was called a raptor (full name: velociraptor). It was one of the dinosaurs in The Jurassic Park movie and it was very ferocious and very nasty.
Fast forward to today and people still talk about a raptor – except that they usually do not refer to the dinosaur but an equally ferocious Ford truck. Ford was quick to use the name, capitalising on its image known by the older generation and at the same time building an image of high performance and ruggedness for younger buyers.
If you’re still saving for a Ford Raptor, here’s another way to get one into your home – for a lot less money. This October, LEGO Technic will release a Ford F-150 Raptor for just US$99.99 (about RM415) but you will have to put it together at your own assembly plant (no AP nor manufacturing licence required)
The LEGO model joins the brand’s Technic range that includes many other high-performance models such as the Ford Mustang, Ferrari 488 GTE, Lamborghini Sian, McLaren Senna GTR and Bugatti Chiron.
The real F-150 Raptor in action.
Based on the bestselling truck in the world
However, this Raptor is not the same one as that imported to Malaysia by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion as it is a high-performance version of the F-150, the bestselling truck in the world for many years. The one sold in Malaysia is a high-performance version of the popular Ranger which was developed by Ford Racing.
The LEGO Technic Raptor measures 42 cm in length, 18 cm in width, and 15 cm high. It is made up of 1,379 parts, with the bodywork in a distinctive orange colour. The Technic models are for older children but even adults will have fun building them.
Great degree of authenticity
As with the other models, LEGO has made sure there is a great degree of authenticity in the details, even though little bricks cannot fully replicate the curves of sheet metal. The detail is still impressive and even the 3.5-litre V6 engine (which in the real truck produces 450 bhp) has moving pistons.
There’s the massive skidplate below the front end and under the rear are the dual tailpipes. The working suspension and wheels are accurately designed in a smaller scale.
Registered in Michigan too
Inside the model, the cabin is also realistically created. All four doors can be opened, along with the bonnet and there’s a detailed truck bed as well at the back. LEGO has also included a registration plate from Ford’s home state of Michigan with the number HZR211.
If you’re also interested in the Ranger Raptor (pictured below), visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information.
Even after you recover from COVID-19 infection, your quality of life may be affected and you could suffer for a long period after that. So avoid being infected by taking the necessary measures to protect yourself as well as others – and get vaccinated as well.
Ford’s F-150 Raptor is one powerful behemoth of a truck that needs no introduction. It’s a tough and capable off-roader that surmises the American dream of sticking it to the man as well as mother nature.
The Blue Oval has taken its latest Raptor and customized it to incorporate design cues of the US Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet. This particular truck has been auctioned off during the annual auction at AirVenture Oshkosh.
The purpose of this really cool customization job is to raise money and awareness for the Experimental Aircraft Association Gathering of Eagles. It’s an organization and an event committed to aviation and encouraging youth involvement in flight.
Over the years Ford has raised more than $3 million (RM 12,856,500) for this annual event since 2008 by creating these customized one-of-a-kind vehicles. The automaker has also served as exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2017 AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
This F-22 inspired F-150 Raptor was eventually picked up by Gary Ackerman of Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas, Nevada for a whopping $300,000 (RM 1,285,650). Ackerman serves as Honorary Commander/Ambassador for the United States Airforce’s F-22 Squadron at Nellis Airforce Base in Nevada.
Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt and Ford Performance led the design and engineering work of the F-22 F-150 Raptor, said, “Our job – both in the air and on the ground – is to intimidate the competition.The money we raised will enable Young Eagles to reach for the skies as well.”
The modifications that were made are more than skin deep and Ford has released an extensive list of features that set this particular Raptor apart from its civilian counterpart. The vehicle has custom suspension, unique exterior trim pieces and off-roading equipment that help it tackle the worst of conditions.
The following is what the truck comes with:
Whipple-intercooled, high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® making 545 horsepower and 895Nm of torque
Modified Addictive Desert Design front suspension and bump stop kit
Deaver rear spring pack to provide a smooth, progressive suspension
Fox bypass series shocks with adjustable compression and rebound valving to customize damping for on-road and off-road use
Innov8 Racing custom forged beadlock wheels with Falcon Wildpeak tyres
Modular off-road 1.3-million candela LED lighting system by KC Hilites
Kicker audio system with 1,500 watts of amplification
Unique Sherwin-Williams exterior paint integrating F-22 Raptor jet cues including titanium grille with front silhouette of the aircraft; jet cues
featured on the interior as well
Amp Research power retracting steps
DeBerti two-tyre, gas and ProEagle jack holder
LineX sprayed bedliner
All-stainless-steel cat-back Borla exhaust system with carbon fiber tips
DeBerti carbon fiber fender flares, hood and fender vents
Paint hand-cut and polished to a mirror finish by Independent Detail
The US Air Force’s F22 Raptor is a technological marvel for the 21st century. It is considered a stealth fighter that is able to evade enemy radar with relative ease. Unlike conventional fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, its weapons are stored internally. Once the pilot has chosen the target and is ready to fire, only then do its pod bay doors open, exposing the precision weaponry.
This aircraft is one of the deadliest fighter jets in existence and as such, its no wonder that Ford chose it as the the design theme for its ever popular powerhouse, the F-150 Raptor.
