2021 Ford Raptor Has Several Hidden “Easter Eggs”

Easter is this weekend, so it tickled me to learn from Ford that the 2021 Raptor has several hidden “Easter eggs” on it. Easter eggs are hidden items on a vehicle that are often subtle and go unnoticed. I always enjoy finding these hidden gems on vehicles I get to review.

So I was appreciative of Ford to learn that there are several of these Easter eggs on the new Raptor. According to Ford, there are in fact four different Easter eggs subtly hidden on the Raptor, based upon the graphics package you might order.

Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Hidden QR Code On 2021 Ford Raptor
Like the entire 2021 Raptor, the optional Raptor graphics package was inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. The diamond-shaped pattern is meant to resemble the F-22’s diamond shaped afterburner exhaust nozzles and the “FP GN03” logo gives Raptor authentic fighter jet trail markings.

But take a closer look – or scan your phone – at the logo and a hidden QR code will redirect customers to a popular website. Can you guess what site the Ford Raptor might direct you to? Where else but the official Ford Performance website. Brilliant and clever by Ford. Well done.

2021 Ford Raptor salutes desert racing heritage
To pay homage to Raptor’s desert-racing DNA, Ford designers included a representative map of the famed Baja 1000 race in the new Raptor 37 Package bedside graphic. The graphic subtly features representative typography of the Baja region with the race route from Ensenada to La Paz, Mexico and checkpoints along the way.

What a fitting tribute that was inspired by one of Ford’s designer’s first time attending the Baja 1000 race. Speaking of the designers of the Raptor, please check out my interview with Ehab Kaoud, chief designer of the Raptor to hear more about how desert design was a key part of the new-look Raptor.

Raptor’s Patriotic side
Ford Trucks are built for America. To honor that commitment, every 2021 Ford F-150 comes with silver American flags hidden on the sides of the dash for customers to see when they enter and exit their truck. For the all-new 2021 Raptor, those American flag badges get Raptor’s signature Code Orange color.

Raptor Logo Shines Bright
Proving Ford’s attention to detail, there are Raptor badges throughout the 2021 Raptor. This is fairly common among sub-brands, but for the Raptor some of these may be so subtle you could miss them.

Two, in fact, are a little harder to find. That’s because they are embossed within the headlamp modules. The Raptor’s main competitor the Ram TRX (T-rex) has an Easter egg of a T-Rex with a Velociraptor in its mouth. This is a clear jab at the Raptor.

These design elements are fun and the rivalry between the two performance-oriented vehicles is good.

Fighter Jet Inspiration
As mentioned one of the Easter eggs takes its inspiration from the F-22 fighter jet that has the same name (Raptor). This was a common inspiration for the Ford design team that worked on the Raptor.

A rugged, aggressive exterior advances the signature design of F-150 Raptor. Completely redesigned, the distinctive front emphasizes the truck’s width with a machine-tough look featuring a power dome hood with blacked-out grille and headlights that stretch fender to fender.

The hood has a new heat extractor and functional side vents at the top trailing edge of the fender, all inspired by the intakes of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Aggressive front fenders emulate the windswept look of dust billowing off the top of the tires at high speed. The same concept extends to the rear, with blacked-out taillights and available tailgate appliqué creating visual fender-to-fender width.

A wider front skid plate offers greater coverage side-to-side and extends protection forward. Durable steel front and rear bumpers are built for the rigors of off-roading, with the rear bumper retaining the high-clearance design that tucks the dual exhaust tips high up against the truck.

Available Rigid off-road lighting mounted in the front bumper helps drivers illuminate even the darkest night. Three different 17-inch wheels are available, two with beadlock capability – all designed for maximum strength and great looks.

I am really looking forward to the next-generation Raptor. The 2017 Raptor has been one of my all-time favorite vehicles, and I love performance-oriented trucks. The 2021 Raptor will be available in showrooms this summer. The V8-powered Raptor R is coming out next year.

What do you think of Easter eggs in car design? Too cutesy or a fun part of the design elements that add interest and personality to it? Leave me your comments.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.