Introduction to the Ford F-150 Raptor R
The Ford F-150 Raptor R is the pinnacle of off-road performance trucks, blending exceptional power with rugged capability. At first glance, its rugged exterior suggests it’s built for dunes and muddy trails rather than drag strips. However, beneath this tough exterior lies a supercharged engine borrowed from one of the most powerful muscle cars ever made, giving it remarkable straight-line speed despite its size.
Performance Specifications
The F-150 Raptor R is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Mustang Shelby GT500, enables the truck to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, outperforming many sports cars. The truck’s performance is complemented by its:
- FOX Live Valve shocks
- Five-link rear suspension
- 37-inch tires
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Shift-on-demand four-wheel-drive system
Off-Road Capabilities
The Raptor R is engineered for high-speed off-roading, featuring:
- Long-travel suspension system with up to 13 inches of front travel and 14.1 inches of rear travel
- Position-sensitive damping shocks that adapt to changing terrain
- Exclusive Raptor Baja drive mode that adjusts throttle response and damping for aggressive off-road driving
- 37-inch all-terrain tires that enhance ground clearance and shock absorption
Comparison with Competitors
The Raptor R was introduced as a direct competitor to the Ram 1500 TRX, boasting:
- More power (720 hp vs 702 hp)
- Larger 37-inch tires compared to the TRX’s 35-inch tires
- Lighter curb weight
Performance specs comparison:
- 0-60 MPH: 3.6 seconds (Raptor R) vs 3.7 seconds (TRX)
- 1/4 Mile: 12.0 seconds at 112 mph (Raptor R) vs 12.3 seconds at 110 mph (TRX)
Pricing and Market Position
The Ford F-150 Raptor R comes with a premium price, starting at around $110,000. This is significantly higher than the standard Raptor, which starts at about $80,000. With the discontinuation of the Ram 1500 TRX, the Raptor R currently leads the high-performance off-road truck segment.
Conclusion
The Ford F-150 Raptor R stands out as a top-tier off-road performance truck, offering an exceptional blend of power, capability, and advanced technology. Its performance surpasses many sports cars while maintaining its rugged off-road prowess.
