Found! Ford's Test Route in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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MagicMtnDan

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We've all read about the Raptor SVT test route that Ford set up for their testing and the early runs they gave to the editors of the magazines and online journals:

Ford's PR team carefully planned a jump free route for us to avoid the liability of inadvertently jostling the pacemakers of geriatric buff book hacks, but we managed to channel our inner hoon and find a good ramp regardless. We hit the four-foot high berm at 80 MPH and caught what felt like serious air, but even that failed to overcome the natural stability and the Raptor's ability to soak up anything thrown at it. It landed perfectly and carried on as if nothing had happened. Even sliding sideways into ruts and bumps near the limited top speed failed to provoke any roll or any sign at all that we could do anything to upset the Raptor.

Above from: http://jalopnik.com/5343872/2010-ford-f+150-svt-raptor-first-drive

The next morning we woke up early to head out to the desert for what we came for – off-road testing of the Raptor. While developing the Raptor, the SVT testing team (consisting largely of the engineers that helped build the vehicle) set up a roughly 66-mile course to punish each Raptor prototype. Every time they reached a new stage and another prototype vehicle was created, it had to survive 1000 miles on the 66-mile off-road course filled with whoops, sand washes, off-camber turns and constantly changing terrain. Fortunately for the journalists in attendance, we had the chance to charge around 22 miles of this course to test out the Raptor.

Above from: http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/review/ride-impression-ford-f150-svt-raptor-23717.html

We knew Ford tested the Raptors in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park but it's a big place. Until tonight, when I found the following references to the test route, I never knew quite where Ford tested and ran the Raptors. We've been to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park numerous times and I've always suspected that we've driven on some/all of the trails and areas they ran on but I wasn't sure. Now I know we've been on them without realizing it.

So, here's the route:

500x_2010-raptor-google-maps.jpg


Link to the above map and article:
http://jalopnik.com/5343872/2010-ford-f+150-svt-raptor-first-drive

Link to a map of the above area with some pics:
http://www.panoramio.com/map/?user=3576796#lt=33.165720&ln=-116.141968&z=4&k=0&a=1&tab=5

Now I need to compare the above maps to the maps of the area:

Anza-BorregoDSPmapportion.jpg


Link to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park map (pdf):
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/ABDSPmap.pdf


Anza-BorregoDSPsatelliteportion02.jpg


Anza-BorregoDSPsatelliteportion.jpg

Google map of the area:
http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4...o+springs+map&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl
 
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MagicMtnDan

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OK, here's one possiblity where the route is in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and in Ocotillo Wells SVRA. Perhaps Brian and/or others can compare this to the above info.

We'll have to drive this route and see what the distance is. It's a tough job but someone's got to do it.

OcotilloWellsSVRA-route01blarge.jpg
 

BigJ

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Good work Dan. I was basically stonewalled when asked for this info (not unfairly; I understand Ford's desire not to release this info). But looks like you're well on the way to reverse engineering it anyway... :)
 

bstoner59

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I've plotted this on Google Earth and on physical maps. This route is the route they used to take the press on drives when the truck was released. I am pretty sure it isn't the same route as the 62 mile test route. Most of this is in Ocotillo Wells. I have taken us on this route before.

Edit: Found my map.

Starting in the NW corner of the map (Fault Wash/Cut Across Trail)
Head South on Fault Wash to North Fork of San Felipe
Continue South on North Fork of San Felipe to San Felipe Wash
Head East on San Felipe until Bank Wash
Head North up Bank Wash to Cut Across Trail.
Head West on Cut Across Trail back to Fault Wash.

Most of the route is heavily populated during the weekends so we were not able to get speed up. When Ford did the press release it was during the weekday and they had helicopters and spotters to make sure no one got onto the course by accident.


I'm still studying videos and maps of AB and I WILL find this test loop!! One section includes Pole Line...pretty sure South of Ocotillo and the 78.
 
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MagicMtnDan

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I've plotted this on Google Earth and on physical maps. This route is the route they used to take the press on drives when the truck was released.

Starting in the NW corner of the map (Fault Wash/Cut Across Trail)
Head South on Fault Wash to North Fork of San Felipe
Continue South on North Fork of San Felipe to San Felipe Wash
Head East on San Felipe until Bank Wash
Head North up Bank Wash to Cut Across Trail.
Head West on Cut Across Trail back to Fault Wash.


That's exactly the route I've laid out and yes, that is the press route as shown in the map at the beginning of this thread.

What information do you have regarding the Ford Test route? Where did you get it? Can you post up what you have on it?
 

bstoner59

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Just the videos from the prototypes that were running around. I know there are train tracks on or near part of the route. Pole Line Rd. south of 78 is used as well I'm pretty sure. If you look on a map there are train tracks south of 78 near where Pole Line Rd goes.
 
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