The all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor, Ford's high-performance off-road pickup truck, will be the first model to arrive in China this year. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ford Motor is staging a performance car offensive in China as it looks to introduce as many as 12 models into the world's largest auto market by 2020.

The first model to arrive this year will be the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor, the company's high-performance off-road pickup truck, and to raise the bar even higher, it will be the upscale version of the truck, the four-door Supercrew.

The first shipment is already on its way to China, although a Ford spokesperson wouldn't disclose how many vehicles are being shipped.

The first Raptors are expected to hit the Chinese market before March.

The Raptor leverages the latest advanced technologies, including a military-grade, high-strength, aluminum-alloy cab.

Built at Ford's truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan, it features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter Eco-Boost engine, plus a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced six-mode Terrain Management System.

Discussing the impact the model has already made on its appearances in China, David Schoch, president of Ford Asia Pacific, said in a statement: "Raptor's unique looks and capability have generated amazing buzz at every auto show we've brought it to around China."

Performance cars are attracting a growing group of fans in China, especially young people. Sales of Ford's Mustang sports cars surged 45 percent year-on-year in 2016.

The Mustang is one of several high-performance vehicles the company has released in the Chinese market, along with the Focus RS and Focus ST.

"The F-150 Raptor is another example of our commitment to offer a wide range of vehicles for customers in China - everything from SUVs to high-performance cars and trucks," said Scoch.

Ford sold a record 1.27 million new vehicles in China last year, increasing sales by almost 14 percent compared to a year ago.

Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Americas, hopes the Raptor will bring a new group of enthusiasts into the Ford family.

"F-150 Raptor's appeal and unmatched off-road performance has earned the truck a loyal following around the globe," he said.

The F-150 Raptor has been one of the most popular pickups in the United States.

The all-new version was named 2017 Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine due to its performance in weeklong testing that challenged the truck over almost 1,000 miles of harsh, off-road conditions, ranging from sand and rocky trails to snow.

Ken Brubaker, editor of Four Wheeler, said: "Compared to its predecessor, which also had a very commanding stance, the new Raptor has more ground clearance and a significantly wider track that makes it look incredibly aggressive."

The model has also won significant acclaim in the industry, taking home Best Pickup Truck of 2017 honors from Cars.com in early January.

Prices for the Raptor start at $48,860 before delivery charges in the US, although Ford has not yet announced how much it will cost in China.