Fox Triple Bypass Shock for 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

In what American manufacturer Ford calls "an industry-first on a production truck," the heavily advertised F-150 SVT Raptor was fitted with FOX Racing internal triple bypass shocks, allowing for 12.1 inches (30 cm) of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 inches (28.4 cm) in the front for the off-roader, way above the seven or eight inches allowed by regular shocks.

“Typically, automakers go for stiffer suspension character for off-road, which is the wrong approach for desert pre-runner performance,” Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer said when announcing the feat. “The suspension travel allows the truck body to ‘float’ over bumps and undulations at high speed, doing all the work to keep the truck’s attitude stable.”

And this is not all the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) did for the suspensions of the new Raptor. The truck was also fitted with 7/8-inch-diameter stainless-steel shock rod, allowing the F-150's shock to withstand seven times more compressive damping force than a standard one.

“Our objective was high-performance-based – we needed the shocks to perform off-road with authority and maintain street capabilities, all with visible appeal,” Kerry Baldori, SVT chief functional engineer added. “The relationship with FOX Racing Shox allowed us to achieve this.”

Combine this with the recently announced 6.2l V8 engine for the Raptor and you got yourself a real monster on your hands. The new powerplant will debut on the F-150 next year, as it currently undergoes "intense, cruel, dusty and dirty testing." The unit is able of developing 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.