• The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R arrives with a supercharged 5.2-liter 5-8 that makes 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque.
  • Forth with a restored roar, every Raptor R has 37-inch tires and subtle visual cues that differentiate it from the V-6 version.
  • The 2023 F-150 Raptor R starts at $109,145, with orders open up now and production starting this autumn.

Every bit Jeff Goldblum'southward graphic symbol says in the original Jurassic Park, "If there's one thing that evolution has taught the states, it'due south that life volition not be contained . . . life finds a way." Well, Ford finally plant a fashion to fit the F-150 Raptor with a proper Five-8 over again. And it'south not just whatever V-8—it's the supercharged five.2-liter from the Shelby GT500, also known every bit the Predator. The epic engine upgrade is the justification for the new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. It besides rings the bell signaling the start of the heavy-weight championship fight that truck nuts have been waiting for: Raptor versus TRX.

A Predator in a Pickup Truck

As had been rumored and later confirmed, the Raptor R is powered past Ford'southward Predator V-8. However, there are some significant differences betwixt the pickup-truck version and the 1 under the Shelby GT500'southward hood. In the mightiest Mustang, the blown motor makes 760 horsepower and 625 pound-anxiety of torque. In the Raptor R, the supercharged five.2-liter Five-8 makes 700 horses and 640 pound-feet. For farther comparing, the regular-strength Raptor's twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 makes 450 horses and 510 pound-anxiety.

The new power figures are a result of Ford's tailoring the truck'south engine for optimal operation in weather condition that it'll actually exist driven in. Recollect pounding beyond the desert or itch over obstacles rather than racing around a rails or operating at triple-digit speeds. The Raptor'due south new engine still pairs with a x-speed automated manual and all-cycle drive. Even so, the transmission has a new calibration and an upgraded torque converter. The Raptor R besides has a new, stronger front axle and a thicker driveshaft.

Ford says the changes that sacrificed 60 horsepower too helped discover 15 pound-feet. And—most important—the Raptor R's 640 pound-feet of twist is delivered at the low and middle sections of the rev range. Nosotros're told this is primarily acquired by the recalibrated supercharger and its smaller-diameter pulley. And the Predator engine in the pickup truck features unique exhaust manifolds fabricated of cast stainless steel, a dissimilar oil cooler and filter, and a deeper oil pan. Plus, information technology inhales 66 percent more air thanks to a wider intake as well as a filter that Ford says is more efficient and allows more than airflow.

Huge power figures are fun to boast about, only a truck similar the F-150 Raptor needs a roar to support the specs. While the regular Raptor's twin-turbo V-6 has better vocals than the previous generation, its soundtrack is yet more than Fleetwood Mac than Metallica. Thankfully, the R-rated Raptor's 5-8 and redesigned exhaust give this truck the sound and fury to rival the 702-hp Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. Nosotros've heard the Raptor R in person and can confirm that information technology'll wake the neighbors and scare children. It also has a fashion for quieter cold starts to show some respect.

Large Power Comes with the Biggest Tires

By at present, Ram stans are probably gloating about the fact that the TRX is notwithstanding more powerful than the V-8 Raptor. While that is true, it's not that unproblematic. The 5.2-liter Predator engine has a lighter aluminum block; the half-dozen.two-liter Hellcat engine has a heavier atomic number 26 block. Ford says the Raptor R is 100 pounds heavier than the regular version, which puts it at roughly 6050 pounds. The Ram TRXs we've tested weighed about 6800 pounds. Based on those figures, the V-8–powered Raptor should have a better power-to-weight ratio of about 8.vi pounds per horsepower versus the TRX'due south approximately 9.7 pounds per horsepower. Also, when it comes to off-route trucks named later on prehistoric killing machines, the Raptor R has bigger claws.

Massive 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are fitted to every Raptor R. You lot won't currently discover rubber that tall on the Ram TRX or any other manufactory-congenital truck. The huge BFGs are the same ones that are available on the 5-6 Raptor. In fact, with the 37s included, the two models accept the same thirteen.1 inches of ground clearance and about identical pause setups. The biggest difference is that Ford gives the R version specially tuned dampers and 5 percentage stiffer front end springs to better handle the extra weight of the Five-viii.

How to Spot an F-150 Raptor R in the Wild

Considering Ford didn't want regular Raptor owners to regret not having the more powerful version, it chose not to brand the ii trucks wait vastly different. Still, the company still wanted Raptor R owners to have something that distinguished their trucks every bit the big-motor models. One of the near telltale signs is the taller power dome on the hood, which sits about an inch higher than on V-vi versions.

2023 ford f150 raptor r

Michael Simari | Automobile and Driver

2023 ford f150 raptor r

Michael Simari | Auto and Driver

Clues to the 700-hp V-8 located between the truck's bulging front fenders include several "R" callouts in a distinct shade of Lawmaking Orangish. Along with modest badges on the grille, power dome, and tailgate, the "R" in the Raptor lettering on the bedside graphics is orange. The graphic itself is too unique to the Raptor R, featuring an interesting design that'southward supposed to look like "harsh, croaky desert earth"—the interpretation is debatable. Luckily, those who prefer a cleaner look can opt to have the graphics removed at no cost.

Inside, the Raptor R looks like most other F-150 models, and it has about of the same tech and features as the regular Raptor. There are, however, a few singled-out details. The carbon-fiber accents throughout the motel take an exclusive pattern. Its upholstery is a mix of black leather and microsuede, and the R comes standard with a pair of comfy and supportive Recaro front seats. The steering wheel also features an "R" push button that lets the driver instantly admission a customized, preset drive style.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R starts at $109,145. That'southward about $27K more than a '22 Raptor with the 37-inch-tire package, which has an $81,705 price tag with no other options. Orders for the Raptor R are at present open up, and Ford's off-road supertruck is set to start production this fall.

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