It’s a moment etched in my memory: My dad brought home the very first Gen 1 Raptor prototype, and I, a high schooler, promptly "borrowed" it for a quick run to the drug store.

From that moment, I was hooked.

That raw, untamed capability was unlike anything I'd ever experienced, marking the start of my journey with Raptor, now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

I've spent significant time in every generation since. I've seen how each Raptor continually gets better and better. But being a Raptor owner is more than just the truck; it's about a shared passion for adventure and the community it creates. That's why our second annual Raptor Rally, where 400 F-150, Bronco, and Ranger Raptor owners recently converged on Lake Havasu, Arizona, is so vital. This pinnacle event is a celebration of that spirit, bringing together enthusiasts and pro drivers alike to experience the racing DNA that runs deep in every Raptor.

The rally, held in Lake Havasu, Arizona, offered a day and a half of exhilarating off-road experiences like dynamic trail drives and the ability to jump their own Raptors, all while engaging with expert workshops and connecting with the 11 Raptor clubs that host their own events throughout the year.

The energy was strong, amplified by the presence of professional off-road racers like Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy, Brad Lovell, Mitch Guthrie Jr., and Bailey Campbell, who offered hot lap opportunities and meet-and-greets. Even Ford Racing Ambassador and fellow Raptor owner, Daniel Ricciardo, joined the festivities.

Raptor Rally perfectly illustrates how, with each generation, Raptor’s racing experience directly influences the capability of our production vehicles. Owners had the unique opportunity to meet the dedicated team members and drivers who continuously push the limits in off-road performance, experiencing firsthand the direct lineage from Ford Racing to their very own Raptors. Amidst all the action and community spirit, we also had some exciting news to share.

F-150 Raptor to Take on Baja 1000 in November

We unveiled the F-150 Raptor that will compete in this year's Baja 1000, offering a glimpse into the future of our racing endeavors. This marks the first time a Baja 1000 truck will be based on the current Gen 3 F-150 Raptor with 3.5-liter high-output engine. The truck will utilize the new Ford Performance Parts calibration now available to consumers.

For the first time, all four production Raptors—F-150 Raptor R, F-150 Raptor, Bronco Raptor, and Ranger Raptor—will compete together, representing our largest racing effort at the Baja 1000 to date. This powerful statement underscores our "Road to Race" commitment: taking production vehicles available to consumers to Baja for brutal validation and to demonstrate our confidence in their inherent capability straight off the dealer lot. The lessons learned from the brutal Baja course directly inform and inspire our vehicle development, ultimately leading to tougher, more capable trucks for our customers.

New Performance Upgrade for 2024 F-150 Raptor

2024 F-150 Raptor owners with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine can now enhance its performance with a new 50-state legal performance calibration kit that provides more power and improved performance across the RPM range. Ford Performance Parts calibrations are engineered and dyno tested to deliver more power and increased performance while maintaining reliability.

This calibration increases peak torque to an impressive 554 lb-ft and horsepower to 466 HP, providing an additional +26 HP at 3,250 rpm and +54 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. It has an MSRP of $850.05, and is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile Ford Performance Parts warranty when installed at a Ford dealer or by an ASE/Red Seal certified technician. It’s available for purchase from the Ford Performance Parts e-commerce site and can be installed at your Ford Dealer. 

New Method Wheel Kit for 2024 F-150 Raptor

We also announced a new Method Wheel Kit, developed in partnership with Method Race Wheels, exclusively for the 2024 F-150 Raptor. This kit, with an MSRP of $1,875, includes a set of four Method Race Wheels® 703 Bead Grip® in a sleek matte black finish.

These wheels feature innovative Bead Grip® technology for increased grip at low tire pressures – a critical advantage when you’re out tackling soft terrain. Four snap-in center caps with the METHOD Bead Grip® logo complete the package. This kit can be purchased from the Ford Performance Parts e-commerce site and installed at a Ford Dealer.

Updated Exterior Paint Colors Available on 2026 Raptors

The 2026 Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor are now available in Avalanche. For the F-150 Raptor, Avalanche and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat are returning options.

Will Ford is general manager, Ford Racing.