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- The 2023 F-150 Raptor R represents Ford's most powerful pickup.
- Ford stuffed the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 from its Mustang Shelby GT500 under the hood and retuned it to make 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.
- The Ford F-150 Raptor R is available to order now.
The F-150 Raptor launched into the Ford lineup and off of desert jumps all the way back in 2010. The trophy-truck-inspired Raptor’s suspension was the star of the show, but its growling 6.2-liter V8 wasn’t far behind. As Ford pivoted away from V8s and toward smaller turbocharged engines, the Raptor lost its V8. Even though the EcoBoost-powered Raptor made more power than its predecessor, that V8 vacuum helped open the door for the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. Well, it seems like the folks at Ford have listened to the fans, and have officially brought the V8 Raptor back as the long-expected F-150 Raptor R.
Powering this Raptor R is, effectively, the same Predator V8 found under the hood of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. This supercharged 5.2-liter DOHC V8 sends 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque through a ten-speed automatic transmission and into the Raptor’s four-wheel-drive system. This is obviously down compared to the GT500’s figures, but it’s in lockstep with Ram’s desert racer’s 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque—likely, that’s not an accident.
Part of the dip in power could be due to the revised supercharger and altered pulley diameter that work to boost mid- and low-range power. Finishing off the engine is a set of cast stainless-steel exhaust manifolds and a conical air filter. Those manifolds feed an active exhaust system that features a pass-through muffler design.
While the V8 is the star of the Raptor R, it’s not the only upgrade over the standard F-150 Raptor. Ford says it recalibrated the 10-speed automatic to work better with the 5.2-liter V8. The company also upgraded the front axle, with a more robust carrier casting and a structural aluminum cover. Ford also employed a heavier-duty torque converter between the engine and transmission.
Controlling the standard 37-inch tall tires is a five-link suspension at the rear and double-wishbone suspension at the front. This is the same basic design found on the standard F-150 Raptor. Fox Live Valve shocks control the bumps and dips while adjusting on the fly based on inputs from various sensors. Surprisingly, the Raptor R sees a 5% increase in spring rate from the front springs.
The interior is basically the same as the standard-issue Raptor. Notable exceptions are the Recaro seats are now standard, and the Raptor R introduces customizable drive modes that can be triggered by the R button on the steering wheel. Extra badging on the interior will also remind you that you’re in the Raptor R, but the same 12-inch Sync 4 touchscreen jumps between models.
The Ford Raptor R is set to launch at a staggering $109,145, which puts a little ahead of a loaded Ram TRX. That's a lot of money for a pickup, but not that shocking when you think about quickly rising pickup prices, and the cost of the 5.2-liter engine. If you want to add one of these to your stable, Ford says you can order one today.
Do you think the Ford F-150 Raptor R can make up lost ground from the Ram TRX? Let us know your thoughts below.
