All three generations of F-150 Raptor have been inspired by the extreme desert-racing trophy trucks that compete in the Baja 1000. Designed and engineered by Ford Performance, the 2023 F-150 Raptor R is the closest yet to delivering this type of performance.
“Raptor R is our ultimate Raptor,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “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.”
Ordering for F-150 Raptor R is open now and production starts late 2022 at Dearborn Truck Plant.
The heart of Raptor R is a new 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that delivers 700hp and 868Nm of torque to give it incredible desert-running power.
Ford Performance enlisted the most powerful engine in its lineup – previously seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500 – optimising it for Raptor-level off-road performance and durability. The result is the most torque-dense supercharged V8 yet in a production pickup.
Ford Performance recalibrated this V8 engine’s supercharger and installed a new pulley to optimise its power for off-road use, increasing torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. These changes help Raptor R offer more performance at the speeds where customers spend most of their time driving.
To maintain the extreme off-road durability the Raptor brand is known for, Ford Performance upgraded the original engine’s exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, including a unique oil cooler and filter, plus a deeper oil pan enabling it to tackle aggressive grades while keeping the engine oil cool.
To help the engine breathe better, air intake volume is increased 66% via a wider air intake inlet and a higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.
F-150 Raptor is about more than going fast – it must conquer brutal off-road environments.
Ford Performance upgraded the base truck’s transmission and driveline to help ensure Raptor R can smoothly handle what this V8 can throw at it.
Raptor R delivers a 10-speed SelectShift transmission with improved calibration.
The truck features a new front axle with a more robust, higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover to manage the powertrain’s added torque, as well as a unique larger-diameter aluminum driveshaft.
A new, specially tuned torque converter with heavy-duty turbine damper and four-pinion rear output assembly makes the truck even better equipped to transfer torque and provide a smoother powertrain feel when driving both on- and off-road.
Drivers get even more control over how their Raptor R expresses its additional power, courtesy of a unique dual exhaust system with a pass-through muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.
These can be adjusted in the MyMode feature, allowing drivers to customise multiple settings – including drive, steering, suspension modes and others – and save one as a single mode easily accessed with the press of the “R” button on the steering wheel.
The five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs – all optimised for outstanding stability while traversing desert terrain at high speeds.
Advanced FOX Live Valve shocks are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on- and off-road. These electronically controlled dampers use suspension height sensors and other sensors to monitor terrain conditions independently, hundreds of times a second, while adjusting suspension tuning accordingly.
Wheel travel of 13 inches in front and 14.1 inches in back facilitates Raptor R’s ability to traverse sand and rocks with outstanding capability.
Like the rest of the Raptor family, Raptor R comes standard with a suite of smart technology to make off-roading easier.
Trail Turn Assist allows drivers to shrink their turning radius on tight turns and go even further off-road. Ford Trail Control – think cruise control for off-roading – lets drivers select a set speed and steer through challenging conditions while the truck handles throttle and braking.
Trail 1-Pedal Drive allows customers to control throttle and braking with just one pedal to make extreme off-roading like rock crawling even easier.
Keeping the driver connected is a standard 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Raptor R also benefits from Ford Power-Up over-the-air software update capability. These wireless updates can offer improvements throughout the vehicle – from the SYNC system to enhanced quality, capability and convenience upgrades that improve the ownership experience over time.
F-150 Raptor R will be available in eight colour options, including new Avalanche and Azure Gray Tri-Coat exterior paint offered on the Raptor lineup for the first time.
