700 horsepower, 37-inch tires, $109,000 beginning value. These are BIG numbers that describe the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, a brand new eight-cylinder model of Ford’s well-liked off-road truck. The unique Raptor debuted greater than a decade in the past powered by a V8 engine, however downsized to a twin-turbocharged V6 for the second technology and carried it over into the present third-generation mannequin. We thought the newest Raptor was unbelievable, V6 and all, however a small contingent of Ford followers pleaded with the automaker to deliver again the sweet-sounding V8, particularly after Ram delivered the TRX.
Not solely did Ford oblige, it dropped within the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 from the Shelby GT500. It produces 700 hp on this utility (250 hp greater than the bottom mannequin) and a meaty 640 lb-ft of torque. Eagle-eyed readers might level out that the Ram 1500 TRX hastwo complete horsepower greater than the Raptor R. Large fail by Ford, proper? Properly, after driving the Raptor R by Michigan’s Silver Lake Sand Dunes, we discovered there is likely to be extra to this truck than its energy output.
Minimal R Particulars
Ford did not go overboard making an attempt to tell apart the Raptor R from the usual EcoBoost mannequin. It is already an outrageous machine, so why repair what is not damaged? R-specific touches embody an influence bulge hood that sits an inch greater and helps extract heat air, an optionally available decal bundle made up of little quantity eights (a nod to the engine), and some Code Orange R badges. That is it. Eight coloration choices can be found, together with Avalanche, Azure Grey, Carbonized Grey, Agate Black, Antimatter Blue, Code Orange, Iconic Silver, Oxford White, and Code Orange.
This truck is very large, driving on 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 Tires tires as commonplace wrapped round 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. It is price noting the Raptor’s important rival, the Ram TRX, solely affords 35-inch tires. There’s 13.1 inches of floor clearance up entrance with a steel skid plate beneath, simply in case you handle to smash right into a boulder.
A Premium Truck Inside
The Raptor shouldn’t be probably the most luxurious F-150 trim degree, nevertheless it’s definitely not missing on options. Other than a number of creature comforts like therapeutic massage seats and hands-free BlueCruise, the Raptor will get virtually each cool piece of tech that is at the moment provided within the F-150 lineup. Commonplace options embody a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a totally digital gauge cluster, heated/ventilated suede/leather-based Recaro seats, heated rear seats, and a power-folding shifter that frees up room for a flat work floor. As a nod to the Raptor’s sporting functionality, the inside consists of real carbon fiber trim and some Code Orange accents. The one accessible possibility inside is a panoramic glass moonroof.
The V8 Is Again, And Higher Than Ever
Beneath the hood, the 450-hp V6 will get subbed for a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, nonetheless going out to all 4 wheels through a 10-speed computerized transmission. No Raptor has ever been this potent. Ford does not quote a 0-60 mph time, however the Raptor R will handily outmatch the usual truck’s 5.6-second time. Will or not it’s faster than an F-150 Lightning, although? We’ll need to line them up for a drag race to seek out out.
Ford made some big strides to make the EcoBoost sound higher for this newest technology, and to the corporate’s credit score, these modifications have been efficient. However subsequent to the Raptor R, the V6’s exhaust word simply cannot examine. This V8 fires to life with a menacing roar and shouts down the street like a muscle automobile. There is a quiet mode when you care about not disturbing the neighbors, however we think about house owners will put the exhaust in Baja Mode (beneficial for off-road use solely) for optimum loudness.
Drives Like A Raptor, However MORE
The bottom Raptor is likely one of the most well-rounded vans cash should buy. It options among the most subtle suspension available on the market, giving unparalleled off-road functionality and on-road consolation. The Raptor R takes that formulation and elevates it. All the pieces you are able to do in a Raptor, you are able to do faster within the Raptor R. Must climb an enormous sand dune? Proper up it. Wish to have a drag race on the seashore? Good luck to no matter truck feels courageous sufficient to line up subsequent to you. This truck explodes out of the opening with such ferocity it feels just like the engine desires to flee from beneath the hood. Was all this further energy strictly obligatory? Completely not. But it surely’s hilarious.
Ford consists of a number of on- and off-road drive modes, however we left it in Baja Mode for our day of enjoyable within the sand dunes. Other than minor R-specific tuning, the FOX Dwell Valve shocks are principally the identical as in the usual Raptor. Mixed with the large tires, even a daunting impression within the Raptor turns into nothing greater than a gentle jolt. And since there’s a lot energy, no impediment appears too imposing to beat.
Bear in mind how we talked about that the TRX’s two-horsepower benefit is not price stressing about? That is as a result of the Raptor R weighs 489 kilos lower than the Ram. The load benefit is noticeable, particularly when maneuvering the truck round at excessive speeds. It might be the dimensions of a home, however the Raptor R feels spry like a WRX on free sand. The steering is surprisingly exact, with Consolation, Regular, and Sport modes to alter the load for numerous driving conditions. And when you occur to seek out your self airborne, a built-in leap detector will restrict wheel spin and the spectacular suspension will deliver you again all the way down to Earth in a managed style.
Large Truck, Large Worth
The F-150 Raptor has turn out to be a standing image amongst pickup vans, a lot in order that it is turn out to be troublesome to seek out one on the $76,775 beginning MSRP. Load one up with the 37-inch tires and all the opposite goodies, and it is easy to strategy the $90,000 mark. That seems like an enormous quantity for a pickup truck, however primarily based on the loopy seller markups we have seen, clients are prepared to pay much more.
Ford realized that is the case, which is why the Raptor R gear group is listed as a $30,575 possibility. In different phrases, the V8-powered Raptor begins at $109,000. A Ram TRX is significantly cheaper, beginning at $80,590, however it will probably simply surpass the six-figure mark when geared up in addition to the Raptor R.
Verdict: The Excellent Show Of Extra
Does anybody really want an F-150 Raptor R? We doubt it. But when somebody has almost 100 grand to spend on an off-road toy, likelihood is the $30,000 up-charge for the R is only a drop within the ocean. And if that individual can afford the worth tag, they will positively afford to fill it up. Although we love the EcoBoost Raptor, the surplus of the R is so intoxicating we would not hesitate to shell out the additional money.
However is the Raptor R higher than its closest rival, the Ram TRX? We might need to drive them back-to-back, however primarily based on our expertise in each vans, the Raptor R will get the nod due to its weight benefit and superior dealing with traits. For those who’re out there for a supercharged V8 tremendous truck, there are actually two wonderful choices.