The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R has been unleashed, featuring aggressive styling along with a potent power unit. Ford said that the F-150 Raptor R is not just a pickup truck that comes with notable horsepower output since it is also built to drive through tough terrain.
The Blue Oval brand claims that the said truck is its “fastest, most powerful, most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor yet.” Ford Performance chief engineer Carl Widmann has a lot of confidence in the F-150 Raptor R’s driving capability.
“When customers experience Raptor R in the desert and beyond, it will make the hairs on the back of their necks stand up – and they’ll love every second of it,” Widmann said.
Exterior
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is not shy in flexing its assertive demeanor. It flaunts a large black grille integrated with a bold FORD text as well as an “R” badge finished in orange color. The headlight assembly further adds to the pickup truck’s bold front end. The boomerang-shaped turn signals complement the LED headlights while the bumper further adds to the F-150 Raptor R’s muscular look.
The side profile has prominent wheel arches, which are further emphasized by the black cladding. It also comes with 17-inch blacked-out wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. Aside from that, the truck has a special graphics package on the rear fenders, and has 333 mm of ground clearance.
The rear completes the overall design package of the F-150 Raptor R. It comes with distinctive taillights, a FORD emblem on the tailgate, and dual stainless steel exhaust pipes. Ford added that the truck has a five-link rear suspension that features long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain. It also has Fox live valve shocks that are tuned to balance ride quality.
Interior
Inside, the Ford F-150 Raptor R has a dark interior theme accented by red-orange stitching while Raptor trims are seen on the center armrest and seats. Speaking of seats, the truck is equipped with Recaro seats that feature a combination of black leather and Alcantara suede. The cabin is also integrated with carbon fiber as seen on the doors, and on the dashboard. And oh, the F-150 Raptor R features a panoramic sunroof, glossy black accents, and paddle shifters.
Tech & Safety
Placed right at the center of the dashboard is the massive 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Sync 4 technology as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It is also compatible with Ford’s over-the-air software update, allowing the truck’s system to be updated wirelessly.
Similar to the rest of the Raptor range, the Raptor R comes standard with a suite of smart technology such as Trail Turn Assist, Ford Trail Control, One-Pedal Drive, among many others. The One-Pedal Drive tech controls the throttle and braking with just one pedal. This is to help the driver navigate extreme off-roading better and easier.
The truck’s dual exhaust also comes with a true pass-through muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja. It also has an “R” mode that can be easily accessed with the press of a button on the F-150 Raptor R’s steering wheel.
Engine
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that puts out 700 hp and 867 Nm of torque. It’s a similar engine that’s found on the Mustang Shelby GT500. But, Ford optimized it to better fit the Raptor R’s off-road performance such as installing a new pulley to increase torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. This makes the F-150 Raptor R within striking distance to its closest rival, the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX.
The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford added that the truck features a new front axle with a more robust, higher-strength carrier casting as well as an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage the powertrain’s added torque.
Price
Pricing for the F-150 Raptor R starts at USD 109,145 (around Php 6.15 million at the current exchange rates excluding tax). Meanwhile, production of the said truck will start late this year, and it will be available in eight color options, including the new Avalanche and Azure Gray Tri-Coat exterior paint.
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