2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R revealed, here’s what makes it different from the standard Raptor

While we are waiting for the next-gen 2022 Ford Ranger launch with bated breath, the Americans get another new performance pickup truck. Dubbed as the Ford F-150 Raptor R, the new model is the most powerful version of the latest third-gen F-150 Raptor that was unveiled last year in February. This highly-anticipated super duper Raptor R appears much different from the standard model, so here we discuss their differences in detail, starting with engine specifications.

Engine and transmission

We know the F-150 Raptor is a desert racing-inspired truck that can ride over rugged terrains and can also jump and catch air. To make that happen, it takes power from a twin-turbo 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 engine which kicks out a maximum power of 450 hp at 5850 rpm and a peak torque of 691 Nm at 3000 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission. 

The ultimate Raptor, the Raptor R, on the other hand, is equipped with a mighty V8 powertrain borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT500. This 5.2-litre supercharged engine makes a whooping power of 700 hp and a torque of 868 Nm of torque. It is 250 PS/177 Nm more than the 3.5-litre V6 mill but slightly less than its closest rival Ram.TRX, which makes 702 hp and 882 Nm.

Here, the shifting duties are also handled by a 10-speed automatic transmission, but to support the V8's torque, it gets a larger driveshaft, heavy-duty torque converter, and an advanced four-wheel-drive system.

Suspension

The standard Raptor comes with a sophisticated suspension, made up of large internal-bypass shocks with position-sensitive damping and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. It offers 355 mm of travel in the front and 381 mm at the rear axle. Also part of the system is numerous sensors that automatically adjust damping rates at each corner.

The Raptor is also kitted with five-link rear suspension, but here you get extra-long trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs. It provides 330 mm of front and 358 mm of rear wheel travel.

Tyres 

Ford offers the 150 Raptor with 17-inch rims wrapped in 35-inch tyres as standard, however, a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres is also available as an option for a better approach, departure, and break-over angles and a raised 13.1-inch ground clearance. On the contrary, the Raptor R comes standard with 17-inch "Beadlock-capable" matte black alloys shod with 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres.

Off-road modes 

The F-150 Raptor features an electronic locking rear differential paired with a Torsen front limited-slip differential. The Terrain Management System offers seven selectable driving modes - Slippery, Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Baja, Tow/Haul, and Rock Crawl.

With a dual exhaust system paired with active valves, the Raptor R comes with Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja modes. One can customise these modes and the other driving settings with the help of the MyMode system and a shortcut ‘R’ button given on the steering wheel for quick access.

Exterior

Design-wise, the all-new F-150 Raptor R differentiates itself from the standard model with the help of widened fenders, and aggressive bumpers finished in black. The truck gets stylish accents in Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange shade and R badges on the grille, power dome, and boot lid. The exclusive graphics package further helps the V8-powered truck stand out from the regular version.

Other significant differences include a custom hood on the Raptor R and a taller power dome that aids in evacuating hot air from the engine bay. 

“Raptor R is visually designed like a desert predator to catch the attention of Raptor customers and off-road enthusiasts,” said Tom Liu, Raptor R lead designer.

Interior 

Along with meaner exterior styling, the Raptor R also has an aggressive interior theme compared to the Raptor. It features Recaro bucket seats wrapped in black leather and Alcantara featuring exclusive Raptor R embroidery. The genuine carbon fibre can also be found on the doors, upper instrumental panel, and centre console. 

However, the infotainment needs of the passengers are taken care of by the same 12-inch SYNC4 multimedia system available on the standard model. The said system features smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth, cloud-connected navigation, voice search, and all the other tech bits that one expects from a modern performance vehicle.

Price

Pricing for the Ford F-150 Raptor in the US starts at $65,840 (approximately equal to RM 292,998), while the new Raptor R version retails for $109,145 (RM 485,712). The latter is now available to order and will reach the US dealerships later this year.

Closer to home, Ford does not offer the F-150 and F-150 Raptor models in Malaysia. The Ranger and Ranger Raptor, however, are part of the local lineup. The next-gen iteration of the Ranger is set to launch in Malaysia soon.

Also read: All-new seventh-gen Ford Mustang on its way