It was a great vehicle for a road test - 2010 Ford Raptor. Maybe you saw someone driving around the area is a large-Blaze Orange, collection trucks. It seems more than willing to respond to a rescue mission in an area in [...]]]>

A collection of ultra-bright orange - The Raptor 2010 Ford F-150

It was a great vehicle for a road test - 2010 Ford Raptor. Maybe you saw someone driving around the area is a large-Blaze Orange, collection trucks. It seems more than willing to respond to a rescue mission in an area in a remote mountain property in town. But Raptor handles both situations with the same capacity.

The Raptor is part of a long line of special F-150 pickup trucks. This, however, was designed by the Task Force of Ford vehicles, including the last influence was the sedan 500. This F-150 SVT appointment and was built specifically for off-road. Many cars are legendary for their off-road capabilities, Land Rover and Hummers, vans, but often be standard with a large number of value-added products on the secondary market. This is which defines the Raptor out of the crowd. This is a truck designed to look, feel, and complete the road.

Actions Raptor the same platform and assembly line to the standard F-150 in Michigan, but the exterior is much more aggressive in the department designed air. Chiseled looks instantly makes the driver think, "It is a Big Boy." It is seven inches wider than the base model and has a greater suspension and wider tires. Size alone is distinctive of the standard F-150, but there is a single rack FORD carved in large letters in the center of the forehead.

Most raptors are sold in an orange with a cast of orange and black interior. A couple of color combinations that are not available, but the orange light is the most distinctive. The bad boy image going on inside an extra wide panel and center console. My tester had two-tone leather seats very close to unity hugs you. They were comfortable and supportive. The perforated leather seats inserted appears that helped maintain the level of comfort.

My test model was powered by a standard topic for all the F-150 - 5.4-liter Triton V-8 produces 320 horsepower. There is also an option of 6.2-liter V-8, but the 5.4-liter engine provides the power and ability to climb rocks or browse by rivers. Suspension is obviously an important element of an SUV and a lot Raptor added. There is a new upper-arm lower axis arm medium-sized joints that go with the new axis of high tension. This does not mean a smooth ride on road surfaces, however.

My wife Judy and I had our first test of the new Raptor last October in the Texas Hill Country. She led him through some very rough areas and near Bulverde Boerne. He even picked up on the edge of the river Guadalupe. This has been all day, "Texas Truck Rodeo tests performed by the band Texas Auto Writers. Raptor has been so impressive that the writers who voted Number One car for the event and was named Truck of the Year.

The Ford F-150 Raptor SVT is not for everyone, but has two main identities - the most impressive drivers in the eyes and the strong position and performs exceptionally well off road. You do not need a lot of optional features added. Our test model had a $ 38,020 base MSRP, but with some options, like a radio navigation Sony, power adjustable pedals, brake controller installed, camera heated rear seats, the label on the bottom was $ 46,020.

The truck of the crown of Texas was probably the first of numerous awards Raptor Garner. Although not a trophy more real, consider him the king of off-road truck. Discover new F-150 Raptor out your local Ford dealer

About the Author

BY "JAM"

Autocross Buying Guide - Choosing the right car

From my experience, autocross can be fun and exciting sport. I participated in several events in my area. I found the fans to be very addictive too.

Of all my other hobbies, I think is the best "value for money as excited to go with your car. Everyone can participate. All cars (some clubs are exceptions to this, however, that all SUVs, trucks are not) can compete. It's beauty that type of career is that you're competing against others in its class generally defined by the SCCA, however, are underway as it is minimal opportunity to touch other cars.

The hardest part of autocross (apart from learning course) in my opinion, is to find the right car. Of course, you use a driver every day, but it is not recommended if you participate in several events per year. Autocross can create tire wear and other components that quickly and can become expensive very quickly. I recommend getting a vehicle that can be used for autocross. This may be a car trailer "or a car can still drive on the road, but use it only for this hobby.

There are four main components to consider when choosing a car for autocross:

1) What kind of car to
2) The price of the car
3) The general condition of the vehicle (if used)
4) From Market updates or changes

What kind of car GET Autocross:

For autocross racing, Some people assume that the car must be very powerful, small, two doors, with modifications. This is not quite true. Although the type of car would be good, it is not necessary to compete in autocross.

Remember that most autocross events and car clubs are grouped into a kind of class. The club has participated with follow guidelines SCCA class. Helper classes to the category of cars so that the same "Level" of vehicles to remain competitive in all classes.

This is done to avoid "more and faster is better" state of mind. It would be unfair to put a Porsche GT3 heavily modified Ford Focus against a population. That's why they do that.

Therefore, to make the right car for autocross, you probably need a coupe or convertible FIRST if possible. Limousines works well too, but some large sedans are not directed at the development, however, the sport sedans are now beginning to take over.

Manual transmission, however recommended if you have an automatic system that goes well too. You may want to consider operations of sales, a manual in the future to remain competitive. Once again, there are still "change of sport-type automatic out there who are getting better and better every day.

Ideally you want also a rear wheel drive autocross the car. RWD cars tend to offer better control and management in most cases. I know some fans out there would disagree with me, but that's normal. On the other hand, I used several cars with FWD that work with the best of them.

PRICE:

The purchase price of a car for autocross is always a factor for me. I, like many others can not afford a luxury car autocross. There are, however, those who can pay and the price is still something for consideration.

The range $ 0 - $ 5,000:

This is the range of most of us beginners to start. Of course, free is good, but consider the third element (total) when this option comes to mind. Several cars that can run well and have many options be improved:

1989-1997 Mazda Miata - Very good power / weight. It is very popular in autocross. 1979-1991 Mazda RX7 fast - small, handy. Several updates. 1989-1998 Nissan 240SX - Several improvements to the secondary market is behaving very well. 1990-1999 BMW 3 Series - Car versatile. You can find very nice models at this level now. 1988-2000 Honda Civic / CRX - I have seen several models of competition and autocross. 1984-1999 Toyota MR2 - Low center of gravity, high performance, mid-engine. 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eagle Talon improvements - Many, some models Turbo AWD. 2000-2007 Ford Focus - Very competitive cars. available in the price range SVT models. 1997-2003 VW Golf - always tailgate autocross. VR6 available in several models. Acura Integra 1990-1999 - Like the Civic, very competitive with many improvements there.

There may be more cars I missed that fall in this range price. The method I use to drive the car may vary according to the type I want. I will use the local classifieds, craigslist. I will also use Research Car largest and expand my general "hunting" area. I have not found a large car with VEHIX, Hebdo and auction sites and government.

But what about autocross cars in the range of $ 5000? Well, I'm glad they think because I am on the point in the list below.

If you have a little money to work and want to get something more recent review the following vehicles:

The range of $ 5,001 - $ 20,000:

This range may include new cars and used cars that are more than a few years. Remember, cars typically depreciate very quickly, as the years pass, some of the newer cars can be available for less money and are ideal for autocross. The cars below come to mind in this range:

1998-present Mazda MX-5 - Always the same basic car, but more power, I have more recent years. 2003-present VW Golf - Even more changes than previous versions, and compete. Mazda RX7 1992-1997 - 3rd generation twin turbocharged and can compete in autocross. 1992-2006 BMW M3 - M3 are designed for competition. Some models latest within this range. 1998-2003 BMW M5 - M5 are very powerful and competitive in their class too. 1994-present Ford Mustang / Cobra - Car very versatile. Compete well in class. 1994-2002 Camaro / Firebird - Compete well in class. Several improvements autocross. 2007-present Mazda MAZDASPEED3 - Turbo hatchback, competes well autocross. 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z - Grand autocross car, very popular on the runway. Stalker V6 autocross special kit that fall in this range.

However, this price can vary on vehicles. Many of these vehicles are still new and may require loans to buy them.

The spectrum of $ 20,001 made up of some of days present models, and the manifesto "Super Cars" that we all respect as the Corvette, Viper, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus and others. I will not include a list of them because if you buy a car one of autocross, he did his research.

Global status of the vehicle (USADA)

When you buy a second car for autocross, treat it like when you buy your car daily driver. You want the car to be relatively free of significant problems. Autocross race may put pressure on the car chassis, suspension, brakes, tires and entire car.

Would you be sure that the car has not been in major accidents. Marco repair or damage may be very dangerous when autocross mixed. This is the most important thing to check when buying a car autocross. I lived and use Call service Experian AutoCheck. Offers unlimited VIN checks for one of its service options and the price is much better than other services on the market. I used it during the purchase and is very useful when you check the history of a vehicle.

The next important point check on the car is an important element of these problems like smoke in the rear exhaust, leaking oil large (small leak is expected that most cars), light / main engine overheating. Autocross is off and you push the car to the limit. Want to be the main elements in the best shape they can be. The above problems can leave you stranded on the beach if you do not look for them.

I usually have an expectation of making minor repairs or preventive repairs on my vehicle when I'm shopping for autocross. As I said earlier, a small oil / fluid loss is "OK" and can usually be resolved easily. Small leaks tell us that the car is in use and may not be suffering from the loss as a result. Large / Leak tell us the car would been abandoned by the previous owner and may lead to residual problems not seen at this time. When you watch a launch vehicle, unity around the A / C on (but does not work). When you're finished with the test disc, leave it idling while you walk around the car continues to be tested. If the car has a problem with overheating is often the time of posting. This advice helped me autocross avoid many beautiful cars that have an overheating problem.

Belts and hoses are my most frequent "defensive" I do repairs, but not a problem. It is always best to know when an important element has been replaced instead of guessing "and relies the previous owner. water pumps, also fall into this category sometimes.

One thing that people always check when you buy a used car is the tires. Yes, it is important for an autocross car, but not how "good" are the tires, but to see if the car has an alignment. Autocross is the handling and the need for car values "manipulation" of capacity where it belongs.

Why not worry about the tires? Well, the tires must be something to consider purchasing your car to start autocross current so that the tire must be removed anyway. The tires are probably the most purchased autocross be a member to buy. A great autocross drivers make a set of tires for the races, one to drive home (those who do not use a trailer) and some have even put the spare wheel racing. This is so common that Tire Rack offers just for autocross tires. I've used and they are the best place to get tires for her.

INDEPENDENT AutoCross Changes Market:

If you ever look into the world of automotive parts, you know there are literally thousands of places browse and buy. I will list some points that most people do not think to look, but, surprisingly, they have things for autocross fans.

Firstly, autocross cars do not always need major improvements to be competitive. Driver can use a stock car and competing against fellow vehicles in stock and remain competitive. Once you begin to change or update in a large degree, you can begin to move in different classes and compete with other cars that are also modified. Keep this in mind when you want to change something.

Usually, I change things easy first: the admission, exhaust and melody of general plans. Most autocross drivers do not go very far away. These must be the first things you try update when you participate in autocross make the maximum performance from your vehicle.

If you decide to go further to be more competitive, my next recommendation is to suspend and roll changes. Please note that security updates in this area may change class. Remember to check your club or group of rules changes.

In general, the faster you upgrade to a autocross car would be front and rear tower bar strut / braces. They are generally expensive to buy and easy to install. They are also very modular which means that when you buy them, they will work with other suspension components in place (in general). This change allows you to tighten the suspension of the car and the framework and help the corners.

The change would be the following recommendation and stabilizer bars front and rear links. These pieces also help roll when cornering, handling, and can sometimes be the modular suspension system as a whole.

The update of the final suspension is generally the most expensive: The struts (shocks / springs). Update This usually works well with the above, but the announcement rigidity, more susceptible to manipulation and sometimes lower the car usually a center of gravity.

Once you have edited the full suspension, my next recommendation would be to upgrade the brakes (at least the pills). This will help your ability to stop for when you need touch the brake in a turn. Please note that the high performance brake pads are wearing faster than OEM.

One of the last things I recommend is to upgrade the tires. Now I'm not saying you should not buy new tires when you first autocross, but I'm not saying make them level to autocross racing tires / for the moment. Most amateur autocross tell him to get used to the population or the tires regularly on your car.

Once you have used to tires type of paper, changing a tire for racing or soft tires improve their lap times (this is the theory anyway).

One last note. Recommend replacement of fluids in your car with synthetic materials, such you can. synthetic fluids have a greater resistance to heat and can take the intense moments that keep in the car during the early stages of autocross.

Some of the places I bought modifications and upgrades to the secondary market of the following: Tires, Tire Rack, the elements General Maintenance / Oil / Filter / performance MyAutocross Store, Auto Gallery

forums specific make and model are also a great place to find parts for your car. In general, people in these forums are experts with this model and is in constant evolution and sale to use.

Now that I have provided this information, I hope it is useful to at least one person out there interested in autocross racing. I know that when I started to learn my lessons the hard way and ended up buying cars that were not well or not "for" autocross. Please note that these opinions are based on my experiences and knowledge. I am open to change or add elements that have elapsed. Please comment if you wish.

About the Author

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Car and Driver

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