Joe Capito - Ford’s director of global performance vehicles and motorsport business

We here in the US of A have always been jealous at FoMoCo Europe’s offerings across the Atlantic. But after several changes, Ford has been globalizing their cars and as a result, their DNA, and even some models have made their way to North America. And it doesn’t stop at examples such as the new Taurus, Explorer and Edge. The new Focus ST may also be receiving the same equipment as the epic RS over in Europe.

“You will see new technology in the Focus ST. I can’t tell you what yet,” Jost Capito says, Ford’s director of global performance vehicles and motorsport business development, in an interview with our friends at Car & Driver.

Much of the desire is aimed at Euro Ford’s revolutionary RevoKnuckle, which allows the Euro Focus RS to handle over 300hp and 325 torques at the front wheels…and just the front wheels, of course with a trick diff. Now I’m sure most of you reading will think, well that’s absolutely berserk. But don’t get ahead of yourself because the RS has been heavily praised for its handling and confidence to give its AWD competition a seriously good run.

Capito, along with Ford SVT PR representative, Henry Platts continued to force the C/D correspondants to beat around the bush, hinting that the RevoKnuckle, and plenty more technology may find its way into the next Focus ST and the new Taurus, especially with GM’s version, the HiPer Strut was featured in the LaCrosse

What Ford decides to do is still in the unknown but the guys at C/D have a lot of confidence that Ford’s SVT branch is in very good hands with Capito. And after noting Capito’s and Platt’s final remarks, stating that SVT is very much committed to ensuring a steady stream of halo cars for the enthusiasts, we’re just as confident as the guys at C/D are.

Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Hoping to build up some interest in its Ford F-150 SVT Raptor before it makes its market debut, Ford has launched a new website (www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor) for the off-road beastly truck featuring videos, 360-degree views, photos and tools to allow you to build your own Raptor.

Ford will also have a driving simulator visiting auto shows across the U.S. to give those interested a chance to experience going off-roading in the desert. The F-150 SVT Raptor simulator provides real-life experience by pivoting on its four axes with the ability to spin 180 degrees.

Make sure you check that out if you visiting a local auto show near you. You can check out the website by clicking here.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Web Site – Simulator:

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Press Release:

NEW FORD RAPTOR WEB PAGE JOINS SIMULATOR IN OFFERING CONSUMERS TASTE OF NEW OFF-ROAD TRUCK

    -  Ford F-150 SVT Raptor comes to life online with a new Web page designed to offer enthusiasts a closer look at the high-performance off-road truck
    - A Ford F-150 SVT Raptor driving simulator visiting auto shows across the U.S. gives consumers the opportunity to experience off-roading in the desert
    - 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor is a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute

DEARBORN, Mich., March 6, 2009 ““ With a look born in the desert, the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Web page is a place enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the experience of driving a truck built to excel in the most extreme conditions. Launching today, the new Web page ““ www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor ““ highlights the expansive features of Ford”s new high-performance off-road truck.

“We wanted to ensure the site is true to what Raptor is, emphasizing it as different and unique,” said Eric Peterson, Ford’s Truck and SUV communications manager. “Delivering Raptor”s unique durability and performance is something only Ford can do, staying true to both our tough truck and racing heritage. We wanted to make that clear through the site.”

Unique Web Site Content
Unique applications on the site, like a 360-degree view, give consumers a thorough perspective of the truck and allow them to get a closer look at the features and functions that make it such a capable off-road vehicle. By clicking over components unique to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, such as front shocks, engine, design cues and tires and wheels, visitors can learn more about what gives the truck its distinct personality.

Visitors also will get to see the truck in action, with videos demonstrating its capability in extreme terrain. One video showcases Raptor R, the racing version of the production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor developed by SVT and Ford Racing, by highlighting clips and interviews with key players from its successful racing debut at the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

In addition to the 360 view and videos, information and photos about the F-150 SVT Raptor will enhance the site. But these aren”t glamour shots. These are Raptors in action.

“There are not a lot of pristine photos. People will see mud and dirt on it, doing the things only the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor can do,” said Peterson. “Most websites have beauty shots, but we show how the truck is actually used.”

Visitors to the Web site also can request a customized brochure or build an F-150 SVT Raptor with the content they desire.

Experience a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Ride
A high-end driving simulator also is bringing consumers closer to experiencing Raptor in its element ““ racing across the desert. Touring auto shows across the country, the simulator pivots on four axes: tipping forward, backward, moving side-to-side and going up and down, with the ability to spin 180 degrees. Actual engine recordings from the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck enhance the experience, while bumps and jolts when the driver goes off-course ensure a realistic ride

Designed using off-road footage, the race course and the desert landscape are projected on a screen in front of the driver. The course gives three unique experiences: a close course with tight turns, a rocky area and an open desert area with tracks to follow.

“If we can”t put people in a Raptor at an auto show, we can put them in the next best thing so they can see what it”s like,” said Brian Bell, Ford’s F-150 consumer marketing manager. “We want people to understand the unique capability of this truck, that it can do things that other trucks just can”t.”

As reported last week, GM is disbanding its High Performance Vehicle Operations. GM said that it will shift all of its focus on mainstream products and that all high-performance projects are on an indefinite hold. A GM spokesman was heavily quoted using Ford’s Special Vehicle Team as an example for the move by the Detroit automaker.

“Ford SVT did the same thing a few years ago and they are back,” a GM spokesman said hinting that HPVO may be revived when GM’s financial condition gets better.

It seems like Ford SVT took that as an insult. Spokesman Patrick Hespen dropped Inside Line an e-mail saying: “A GM rep has been quoted quite extensively regarding the HPVO situation, and has been telling media that SVT went away for a time. The information he’s been giving out about Ford’s SVT is not accurate. SVT was never on hiatus, or shutdown. SVT developed the 2005-06 Ford GT and the 07-09 Shelby GT500. Both of these vehicles were fully engineered by SVT. Granted, they were not specifically badged as SVT vehicles, but they were responsible for their development.”

The SVT brand left the market in 2004; however, the division has since been working on many high-performance Ford models. Hespen said that “SVT’S health is not in question” and that the team worked on the new 2010 Shelby GT500 and the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor which will hit dealerships later this year.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Source: Inside Line

The first 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been auctioned off for $130,000 at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. While we’re not huge fans of pickups, we think the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was worth just a little more than that.

Power for the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor comes from a 5.4L Triton V8 that makes a total of 310-hp with a maximum torque of 365 lb-ft. A 400-hp 6.2L V8 will arrive in the fourth-quarter of 2009.

Proceeds above the retail price will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by Ford.

Forget just how amazing the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is? Check out the high-res image gallery plus a video from StreetFire.net after the jump.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Ford Unveils the 2010 Raptor at SEMA 2008:

Source: PickupTrucks.com

Ford announced today that it will appoint Jost Capito to the newly-created position of Director, Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. Jost, who will work out of Dearborn, will take up his new position in January 2009.

Capito will be responsible for the global development of Ford’s performance vehicles and will oversee the North American SVT and European TeamRS. The SVT (managed by Jamal Hameedi) and Team RS (managed by Dirk Densing) organizations will come together to focus on the development of global Ford performance cars.

Capito, 50-years old, will also be responsible for Ford’s global motorsport business strategy and aligning Ford’s global motorsport plans and programs.