Tech Talk: 2017 Raptor’s Exclusive TMS Gives Truck Ninja-like Moves
Raptor’s all-new Terrain Management System enables benefits of AWD with the ability to go off-roading.
Everyone knows that the Ford F-150 Raptor is a fun, beast of a truck. From the sporty looks to the great engine, the Raptor is made to tackle all terrains and look great doing it. However, what about those days when you’re driving in a bad storm? You don’t need the rugged 4-wheel drive system, but you want the best traction control possible. Don’t worry, Ford has you covered with the all-new, cutting-edge transfer case found in the 2017 Raptor.
The new transfer case is the most advanced in its class. Featuring the new “Terrain Management System,” the Raptor gives the driver the ability to find the perfect mix of performance and stability. The electronically controlled clutch-based, on-demand system allows for seamless transition from everyday all-wheel drive mode, including an all-weather mode, to a more rugged mechanically locked four-wheel drive mode for those more off-road terrains.
“Raptor’s transfer case provides the best of both worlds, with the natural benefits from all-wheel drive, such as increased traction in rain and snow, as well as extreme off-road capability that comes with a mechanically locked system,” says Tony Greco, Ford F-150 Raptor program manager.
Most commonly, trucks offer two varieties of transfer cases. The first is a on-demand, clutch based system that transfers torque to the front driveline, similar to how all-wheel-drive works. The other type is an electronic, shift-on-the-fly system that couples the front and rear driveshafts using mechanical locks.
‘Raptor’s transfer case provides the best of both worlds, with the natural benefits from all-wheel drive as well as extreme off-road capability that comes with a mechanically locked system.
The engineers over at Ford hoped to combine both into a perfect mixture, and in the new Raptor, it seems like they have. Now, of course this wouldn’t mean anything if the system didn’t work stand up to the rigorous use-cases that drivers will put these trucks under. Ford actually tested this new “Terrain Management System” when the Raptor was part of the 2016 Best in the Desert series. The truck completed 2,500 miles of competition testing, and thrived under those conditions. After which, the members of the racing team drove the truck another 400 miles back to the headquarters.
