Spartanburg, S.C. - Kymco USA has entered a partnership that will have the powersports vehicle specialist produce an ATV to complement the rugged F-150 SVT Raptor off-road performance truck offered by Ford Motor Company.
The Kymco Built Ford Tough F-150 SVT Raptor Limited Edition MXU 500i is the result of an agreement between Kymco USA and BDA, Inc., the official licensing agent for Ford.
The limited edition ATVs are to be placed on display at participating Ford Truck dealerships during the promotional period. However, they will be offered for sale exclusively through the Ford Collection website www.fordcollection.com and participating Kymco brand retailers will handle delivery of the ATVs purchased.
The most capable off-road performance truck to come straight from the production line, the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by a 6.2L SOHC V8 engine producing 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, offers 11.2-inch front and 12.1-inch rear suspension travel and is outfitted with 17-inch wheels shod with 35-inch off-road tires.
As suitable for recreational pursuits as it is for utility needs around the desert bivouac or forest campground, the 2011 Kymco MXU 500i is powered by a fuel-injected 498cc four-stroke, four-valve liquid-cooled engine producing 36 hp, offers 7.5 inches of suspension travel at all four corners via a front and rear independent dual A-arm suspension connected to five-position adjustable oil damped shocks with dual rate springs and features a tough 25x8-10 front and 25x10-12 rear tire/wheel combination. Limited Edition package items include the custom Metallic Blue finish with Ford F-150 Raptor Graphics, the Built Ford Tough badging and unique alloy wheels.
"This Kymco ATV is a perfect brand extension for our F-150 SVT Raptor customers who have an affinity for outdoor adventure and it's built to help them practice their adrenaline-filled activities," John Nens, Director of Ford Global Brand Licensing, said of the MXU 500i. "It also looks the part, with graphics inspired by the same extreme sports and activities customers and enthusiasts of our high-performance truck find so alluring."
"We're very excited to work with the Ford people on this project," Kymco USA President and CEO Eric Bondy said. "The team has been a pleasure to work with and we believe both Ford and Kymco customers will be pleased with the offering."
The Kymco Built Ford Tough F-150 SVT Raptor Limited Edition MXU 500i ATV debuted Aug. 19-21 as part of the Ford F-150 Truck display at the Woodward Dream Cruise, a classic car show in Detroit, MI, expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.
