It is a big deal when a model sells approximately a million around the globe in a single year: we are talking about the Ford F series Pickup, the bestselling Pickup for 45 years. The importance of this truck can be seen in the fact that Ford made revenue of around $42 Billion just by selling the F series truck in 2019. Since the first generation, Ford has sold over 40 Million units. And now the company has introduced upgraded its Raptor series, named Ford Raptor-R.
A Brief Background
When it comes to hardcore pickup trucks, Ford F150 Raptor is well known. Raptor is based on the regular F150 Pickup but obviously with many upgrades resulting in high performance.
Although Ford F150 is currently in its 14th generation, but performance variant, Raptor, was introduced in the 12th generation. The first Raptor was powered by 6.2LV8 Naturally Aspirated engine making 411hp and 588Nm of torque.
The second Raptor is based on the 13th generation and powered by 3.5LV6 with Twin Turbo making 450hp and 691Nm. The third Raptor, based on the 14th generation, uses the same engine and performance figures as in the previous generation, although it came with some off-road performance improvements.
A Serious Competitor of Ford Raptor
Ford Raptor always remained in the limelight until the rival brand Dodge revealed a RAM 1500 TRX; read about it here > https://bit.ly/3xRVtGV. TRX put a serious dent on Raptor as far as performance is concerned.
TRX is a Supercharged 6.2LV8 with 702hp and 880Nm of torque. This makes the TRX the world’s fastest, quickest, and most powerful production truck [gasoline]. TRX can touch 60MPH in 4.5 seconds, a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 174km/h, and a top speed of 190km/h.
Introduction of Ford Raptor-R
Ford didn’t sit quite and was already working on a potent version of Raptor to tackle TRX, and it is now officially revealed. A Supercharged 5.2-liter V8 will power the Raptor R, the same engine seen in the Ford Mustang GT500, where it makes 760hp and 846 Nm of torque.
But under Raptor-R, the engine is optimized for truck duty and, most notably, for off-roading. The engine makes 700hp and 868Nm of torque, mated with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission.
The performance numbers for Raptor-R are 2hp and approximately 12Nm less than the TRX, but it is expected to give a tough time. Raptor is already a well-sorted model both On and Off the road, and being a high-end top-of-the-performance version, we can expect it to be way better than the standard Raptor. According to Ford, the truck development is inspired by Baja off-roaders.
Suspension and Shocks
The truck uses 5-link rear suspension and FOX Live Valve shocks. Moreover, there are electronically controlled dampers with height sensors, and the system automatically monitors the road surface and adjusts the suspension. A special BAJA mode increases the front spring rate by 5%. Raptor -R has 13.1 inches of ground clearance while 13 inches of front and 14.1 inches of rear wheel travel. Raptor-R also comes standard with 37-inch tires.
Styling Updates
Compared to a regular Raptor, there are some exclusive touches and styling updates on the exterior and interior. The interior has a 12-inch infotainment system and other amenities and convenience features.
Price
Well, all this does not come cheap. While the standard Raptor starts at $72,300, the Ford Raptor-R can be yours for starting price of $109,145.
