Ford has just launched its most powerful F-150 Raptor ever. The Ford F-150 Raptor R, it claims, is the fastest, most powerful, most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor ever produced.
This monstrous Raptor is powered by a stonking 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that delivers 700bhp and a whopping 868Nm of torque.
New front axle and carrier casting to aid in coping with desert conditions If this engine configuration and specification sound familiar to you, that is because it was previously featured in the Mustang Shelby GT500. Putting the engine of one of the brawniest muscle cars to ever exist into a pick-up truck? Now that sounds properly American.
Luckily, the engine which was in service for the Mustang Shelby GT500 has been enhanced for the Raptor's off-road tasks which translate into improved durability.
This means installing a new supercharger pulley to optimize power for off-road usage, increasing torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range.
Ford has also upgraded the original engine's exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, while theengine has also recieved a unique oil cooler and filter. A deeper oil pan is also present to allow the engine to keep cool when tackling aggressive grades.
Further upgrades to help the Raptor R cope with harsh desert conditions include a new front axle with more robust, higher strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage all that tectonic plate-shifting torque.
Dual exhaust system - Are you in the ready to annonce your presence with that sonorous V8? A new, specially tuned torque converter with heavy-duty turbine damper and four-pinion rear output assembly ensures that the truck will be able to transfer torque more efficiently to on and off-road terrain.
A dual exhaust system is also present in the Raptor R, with Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja modes. The presence of a quiet mode is especially important as you won't want to wake up your neighbours with that thunderous V8.
The Raptor R is not all about straight line dominance either. With the five-like rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, you can be sure it has good manners when the going gets twisty.
This is further bolstered by Fox Live Valve shocks that are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on-and-off road. Recaro seats upholstered in black leather and Alcantara suede are present to hold you in place when the terrain gets more treacherous.
The Ford F-150 Raptor R also comes with driver assistance features such as Trail Turn assist, which will allow drivers to shrink their turning radius on tight turns to go even further off-road. Even more impressive is Ford Trail Control, which is basically cruise control for off-roading. This allows drivers to select a set speed and steer through challenging conditions while the truck handles throttle and braking.
This monstrous Raptor is powered by a stonking 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that delivers 700bhp and a whopping 868Nm of torque.
Luckily, the engine which was in service for the Mustang Shelby GT500 has been enhanced for the Raptor's off-road tasks which translate into improved durability.
This means installing a new supercharger pulley to optimize power for off-road usage, increasing torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range.
Ford has also upgraded the original engine's exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, while theengine has also recieved a unique oil cooler and filter. A deeper oil pan is also present to allow the engine to keep cool when tackling aggressive grades.
Further upgrades to help the Raptor R cope with harsh desert conditions include a new front axle with more robust, higher strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage all that tectonic plate-shifting torque.
A dual exhaust system is also present in the Raptor R, with Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja modes. The presence of a quiet mode is especially important as you won't want to wake up your neighbours with that thunderous V8.
The Raptor R is not all about straight line dominance either. With the five-like rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, you can be sure it has good manners when the going gets twisty.
This is further bolstered by Fox Live Valve shocks that are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on-and-off road. Recaro seats upholstered in black leather and Alcantara suede are present to hold you in place when the terrain gets more treacherous.
The Ford F-150 Raptor R also comes with driver assistance features such as Trail Turn assist, which will allow drivers to shrink their turning radius on tight turns to go even further off-road. Even more impressive is Ford Trail Control, which is basically cruise control for off-roading. This allows drivers to select a set speed and steer through challenging conditions while the truck handles throttle and braking.
