OUR HOMES | OUR RIDES
OUR VOICES | JAMEZ SITINGS
Covid Serenade BY JAMEZ L. SMITH Where is my voice? Will I recover the ability to sing? Have I yet to fully recover, or is it quarantine, atrophied vocal chords?
load of 1,410 pounds and can tow up to 8,200 pounds. This engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case and predetermined drive modes designed to manage traction for specific conditions. You can choose from Normal to Slippery to Sand/Deep Snow mode for optimal winter conditions. As for fuel economy, we averaged 14.1 MPG. New to the F-150 Raptor is a five-link independent rear suspension with a Panhard Rod, a set of FOX shocks, and a set of 24-inch coil springs. This may not mean anything to the average pickup truck buyer, however the Raptor is designed primarily for high-performance offroading. The result is a soft ride that is necessary to manage rougher terrain—including the potholes on our streets that will appear after winter is over. The Raptor brakes very well. The pedal feel is great, and stops are confident on any road—or off-road—condition. As for steering, be prepared to give it some effort in tight situations. You have a large steering wheel that takes some patience to get into parking spaces around town. On-center feel is okay with a bit of play to get it within the lanes—and between some tight spots on the path to the cabin. How much does a Ford F-150 Raptor cost? Consider that the price of new vehicles has
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LAVENDER FEBRUARY 10-23, 2022
gone up in the face of supply chain challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic—more so for pickup trucks. Therefore, the starting price for this truck is at $64,145. Our SuperCrew tester came with a sticker price of $78,545. Please note that our tester was not even equipped with every option available. Yes, it seems somewhat ridiculous to feature a high-performance pickup truck developed on a desert floor some thousands of miles away in these pages. However, the Ford F-150 Raptor appears to be quite popular— and desirable—across the Upper Midwest. It began a new sub-genre of such pickup trucks that have been joined by Ram and, soon, Chevrolet. One thing Ford can claim is being an original in this type of pickup truck. It also continues to claim the crown of the best-selling vehicle in this country. We’re sure you want an F-150 Raptor. After all, we buy them too!
Is it permanent damage, like loss of sense of smell, misplaced trust broken heart? Will it be like riding a bicycle? Will I play the piano? Will I ever own a harp? This isolation. Will I ever sing again?
