In February last year, Ford presented the third generation of the Raptor version of its famous pickup, the best-selling each year in the United States. But many fans knew little about it, for lack of a bigger and more powerful engine. The oval mark listened and noted. You see the result here, the new Ford F-150 Raptor R, equipped with the V8 from the Shelby GT500.
Al Ford F-150 He has a dangerous rival, the RAM 1500 TRX and his V8 6.2 the 700 CVso in Detroit they decided to fight back with this Raptor R, which leaves the twin-turbo V6 for the powerful engine of the Shelby GT500and 5.2-liter turbocharged V8. It is however not exactly the same engine.
Ford F-150 Raptor R: the pickup gets the V8 from the Shelby GT500, with 700 HP
It’s actually the same block that powers the GT500, only Ford Performance modified it to reduce power and adapt it for off-road use. While in the delivery coupe 760 HP and 847 Nm of parin the F-150 Raptor R”settles” with 700 hpbut more868 Nm. In this way, the brand has optimized the power delivery, optimizing it in the lower part of the rev counter.
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This was achieved by modifying the intake, a new air filter, a stainless steel exhaust valve and a deeper sump to improve oil lubrication. Despite having a much larger engine, Ford says the Raptor R weighs only 100 pounds more than the regular V6-powered Raptor.
A beast off road
Another change from the more “civilized” Raptor is the transmission: the engine is mated to a ten-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but Ford Performance recalibrated it to handle the extra power. Additionally, it introduced aluminum reinforcements in the front structure, stronger aluminum axle shafts and 5% stiffer shock absorbers.
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At the rear, the new American pick-up retains a rigid shaft diagramfive arms and bar Panhardoptimized with 24 inch springs, to which must be added the 37 inch off-road tires series and shock absorbers Fox Live Valve electronically controlled, with 330 millimeters of travel up front and 358 in the rear. All this gives him abilities off road absolutely beastly.
Without many aesthetic changes
One section that is a little disappointing is the aesthetics. The exterior is a bit atypical, compared to some of its rivals, like the RAM 1500 TRX, which sports a much more aggressive look.
The F-150 Raptor R Plus barely differs from a Raptor V6: the truck’s signature grille, bumper and fenders remain unchanged. Just one 20 millimeter top cowl vent and Code Orange accents (Code Orange) tells us that we are facing a different version.
The new Ford F-150 Raptor R will hit US dealerships later this year for $110,000, or around 108,500 euros at the current exchange rate. A rather high price, even if you have to take into account its impressive mechanics and its equipment: it has the basic equipment of the raptor to which it adds all the options, except for the sunroof and the premium paint.