Ford recently released details on its 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor. The Raptor will return with new updates that include a new Torsen front differential, which will increase grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allow it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades, even when the traction is split between the front tires.

Ford also explained in its press release on the 2012 Raptor last week that an internal helical gearset is used to help force torque from the wheel that is losing traction to the wheel with traction. The system is set with a torque bias ratio of 2.5:1 to help multiply torque from wheel to wheel and the preload is set to zero to help minimize steering feedback.

“This system is key for letting Raptor customers tackle new ground in their truck,” said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance Vehicle chief functional engineer. “Its extreme capability lends itself well to rock climbing situations.”

SVT and Torsen worked with the traction control team to further enhance the brake traction control system to improve the Torsen’s capabilities. It was put to the test both in Ford’s powertrain labs and in real vehicle durability testing, where it had no issues coping with SVT’s 1,000-mile off-road torture test. Special modifications were made for the differential’s use on F-150 SVT Raptor, with a redesigned case created specifically for the truck’s high-torque application.

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Ford also introduced a unique “class-exclusive and patent-pending” off-road front camera system to provide customers a new and unique view of what’s happening in front of the truck. Activated through the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, the system uses the 8-inch navigation display and helps drivers see what’s directly in front of the vehicle, even when their view from the driver’s seat might be blocked.

“We found the system particularly useful for avoiding large rocks or placing a tire on a rock. It can even take the place of the spotter at times, which is a great feature when the truck is in one foot of mud,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. ”

The front camera can be ordered with the Navigation System and is designed to aid at speeds of less than 15 mph in challenging off-road environments. The display from the camera will appear on the navigation screen on the center stack and includes dynamic and static overlays to help drivers determine where their wheels will go.

The camera is mounted in the front grille and includes a dedicated washer function that is activated by pressing a lever on the left steering column stalk.

Be sure to check out Off-Road.com’s review of the Ford Raptor here.

For more information on the 2012 Ford Raptor, visit Ford.com.