Ford’s vision of dominating the off-road performance vehicle market may soon take a bold step forward, with the automaker teasing the development of a potential off-road supercar. The company, known for its Raptor family of trucks, has hinted that it may be taking the concept of off-road performance to new heights by creating a standalone, high-performance off-road supercar, distinct from its existing models.
In an interview with Top Gear, Ford CEO Jim Farley shared that the company is in the early stages of creating something revolutionary. “We’re in the middle of creating something, so we don’t have all the answers yet, but the question is should Ford make an off-road supercar? Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar,” Farley explained. He emphasized that Ford is debating whether to develop a supercar for off-roading, which could redefine the boundaries of what utility and performance vehicles can achieve.
While specifics about the vehicle remain unclear, Farley’s comments suggest that the project could be quite distinct from Ford’s current Raptor offerings. The notion of a dedicated super-vehicle platform, as opposed to adapting an existing car model, further piques interest. Ford has a strong history in motorsport, including a successful Dakar Racing presence, which could influence the design of this off-road supercar. Alternatively, Ford could take inspiration from its iconic GT model, crafting a lifted version of a supercar that blends high performance with rugged off-road capabilities.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, echoed Farley’s sentiments, saying, “We love that we have an F-150, Bronco and Ranger Raptor but we can do more. We’re learning a lot from Dakar, and there’s more to come.” If the project comes to fruition, it could elevate Ford’s Raptor brand and push the limits of off-road performance vehicles, potentially targeting a high-end market segment where six-figure price tags are not out of the question.