The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R gets the same 5.2-litre supercharged V8 as the Mustang Shelby GT500.
Ford has pulled the wraps off the new 2023 F-150 Raptor R, which is touted as the fastest, most powerful, and most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor to date! Powering it is a new 5.2-litre supercharged V8, which develops 690bhp and 868Nm of torque. In essence, it's the same base performance unit as the Mustang Shelby GT500. However, Ford Performance has done a fair bit of fettling to make it worthy of the Raptor badge. And the result is the most torque-dense supercharged V8 yet in a production pickup.
Speaking of powertrain updates, Ford has recalibrated the supercharger by installing a new pulley to increase torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. The exhaust manifolds have been upgraded to a cast stainless steel design, and the brand has thrown in a unique oil cooler and filter, along with a deeper oil pan for more effective oil cooling. The air intake volume has been upped by 66% via a wider air intake inlet and a higher flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.
The 10-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox has also been recalibrated. The F-150 Raptor R features a new front axle, an aluminium-ribbed structural cover, and an aluminium driveshaft to handle the additional torque. There's also a unique dual exhaust system with a true pass-through muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja. These can be adjusted in the MyMode feature.
The hallmark of any Raptor vehicle is its suspension. The five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs to better maintain axle position on rough terrain. Electronically-controlled Fox Live Valve shocks are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on and off-road.
The 2023 F-150 Raptor R looks the part as well. A larger, more aggressively styled power dome on the hood sits nearly an inch taller than on the base Raptor to help extract warm air from underneath. The iconic 'FORD' grille, bumpers, and fender flares have been painted black to maintain the 'menacing' appeal. The Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange accents include a unique 'R' badge on the grille, power dome, and tailgate. There's also a new Avalanche & Azure Grey Tri-Coat exterior colour option on offer.
Order books for the 2023 F-150 Raptor R are officially open, and its production is expected to start in late 2022 at the brand's Dearborn (Michigan) plant.
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