Ford unveils its latest F-150 Raptor: What to expect from the OG Desert Predator

The manufacturer reckons the latest incarnation of the truck is the most capable and connected it has ever created

Set for a sand trip. All photos courtesy Ford

Getting some fresh air under the wheels. All photos courtesy Ford

The company is referring to the beast as the OG Desert Predator.

Classical Ford stylings on the steering wheel.

Similar to its predecessor, but Ford says it has made changes that count.

Aux 1 - 6 controls on the ceiling.

It's all about the suspension.

The Raptor can probably handle rougher terrain than this.

The new Raptor comes with 37-inch tyres.

Potholes won't present a problem.

Truck fans, be of good cheer, as Ford has unveiled the latest F-150 Raptor, and rumour has it this is the most capable vehicle of its kind that the manufacturer has ever produced.

The company is referring to the beast as the OG Desert Predator and, while there is no information about how powerful the new vehicle will be, it’s a safe bet that it should exceed the previous model’s 450 brake horsepower.

Despite using the same turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine as its predecessor, much of this extra oomph is apparently the result of a rejigged suspension which, Ford says, should make it more comfortable and fast off-road, as well as on it.

The new model is also available with new 37-inch tyres, which should be big enough to take it where other vehicles fear to tread.

The latest incarnation is not dissimilar to its predecessor in looks, but Ford says the outside has been completely redesigned, the still-distinctive front emphasising the truck’s width and giving a look referred to as “machine-tough”.

Other features include a "power-dome" bonnet with blacked-out grille, and headlights that stretch from fender to fender.

The vehicle debuts a high-tech cockpit built for a commanding view across whatever environment you happen to find yourself in. A new standard and customisable 12-inch digital gauge cluster features an information-on-demand area with Raptor-specific graphics and animations, off-road data and turn-by-turn navigation.

The Raptor was first introduced in 2009, and its design was inspired by desert-racing cars. The idea was to get a vehicle that could handle the toughest terrain, but also catch some air beneath its wheels. The latest version seems to follow in this spirit, if the images supplied by Ford are anything to go by.

There's no clue as to how much it will cost yet, but the new Raptor will be in UAE showrooms come October.