Rumble in the Dust: Ford's Bronco and Raptor Take on Baja 1000 Glory!

Ford

Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping showdown at the 56th edition of the legendary Baja 1000, where Ford is unleashing the beasts – a revamped Ford Bronco and the formidable F-150 Raptor. Brace yourself for a thrilling off-road spectacle as these powerhouses gear up to conquer the challenging terrains in separate stock car classes.

In the 'Stock Mid-Size' class, the modified Bronco is set to make waves, drawing inspiration from its victorious first-generation predecessor that dominated the Baja 1000 back in 1969. Meanwhile, the F-150 Raptor, poised to dominate the 'Stock Full' class, has undergone some jaw-dropping upgrades for the 2024 edition.

Under the hood of the 2024 F-150 Raptor R, a seismic 5.2-litre supercharged V8 roars to life, delivering a staggering 700bhp through a revamped 10-speed transmission. The addition of new dual live valve shocks and race-ready coil springs ensures this powerhouse is ready to tackle the toughest challenges the Baja 1000 has to offer.

The 2024 Bronco Raptor, aiming to replicate the triumphs of its iconic predecessor, boasts single live valve shocks with custom internal valves. Paired with a slightly more modest 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine, this beast churns out around 418bhp, still packing a serious punch. Both vehicles share custom bumpers, wheels, and top-notch safety equipment, including LED lighting that could rival the intensity of the sun.

Brian Novak, the maestro behind Ford Performance off-road racing, reveals the intricate tech transfer happening between Ford Performance racing and vehicle engineering teams. The Baja 1000 serves as a crucible where lessons learned translate into creating even more formidable Raptor vehicles in the future.

Ford

This year's Baja 1000 promises a thrilling journey, kicking off in La Paz, California, and spanning a grueling 1,300-mile adventure north towards Ensenada, Mexico. Get ready for a wild ride and keep those tacos handy as the Ford titans roar into action. The Baja 1000 just got a whole lot more exciting!