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New Ford F-150 Raptor R: A bruiser SA is missing out on
It's been over a year since the third generation of the Ford F-150 Raptor debuted as a forbidden fruit of note with its 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine from its forebear.
Like all F-150 Ranger models, it isn't bound for an SA introduction and there isn't much to do about it other than just admire it from a distance. The deprivation is bad enough, but Ford has now released the new F-150 Raptor R. They say it's the fastest, most powerful and most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor yet.
Performance enhancements
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Packing the Mustang Shelby GT500's 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine and optimising it for Raptor-level, the powerplant spews out 522 kW of power and a whopping 867 Nm of torque. The F-150 Ranger Raptor R shuffles through a 10-speed SelectShift transmission with enhanced calibration.
As a reminder, the South African market is only getting the new Ranger Raptor, which packs a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 unit with 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque. We hope that changes soon.
The V8's supercharger was recalibrated and a new pulley was installed to improve power for off-road use. This increased torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range, thanks to Ford Performance.
"Raptor R is our ultimate Raptor," said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance's 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."
Additional tweaks to the new Raptor R include upgraded exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, a unique oil cooler and filter, plus a deeper oil pan. For better airflow, air intake volume has been increased by 66% via a wider air intake inlet and a higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.
Better capability
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The Raptor R weighs about 2,699 kg, 45 kg more than the V6 model. The front axle is new and stronger, with a higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminium-ribbed structural cover. There's also a larger-diameter aluminium driveshaft.
Underneath, it wields a five-link rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod, and 24" coil springs. There are Advanced Fox Live Valve shocks that are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on- and off-road.
With 13.1" ground clearance, the new F-150 Ranger Raptor R sits as standard on bespoke 37" tyres.
The look of the new F-150 Raptor R has been beefed up to match its off-road credentials, courtesy of a larger, more aggressively styled power dome on the hood that sits nearly 1" taller than on the base Raptor V6, Iconic 'F O R D' grille, bumpers and fender flares painted in black.
The Ford Performance exclusive Code Orange has an 'R' badge on the grille, power dome, and tailgate. The rear fenders have a unique graphics package that mirrors the cracked desert earth. It can be had in eight colour options, including new Avalanche and Azure Grey Tri-Coat exterior paint for the first time on a Raptor.
Rugged outside, modern inside
Moving inside, the Raptor R gets a black interior and standard Recaro seats with a combination of black leather and Alcantara suede. The doors, media bin door plus upper parts of the instrument panel are finished in carbon fibre. As standard, Ford offers the F-150 Raptor R with a 12" touch screen with SYNC 4 technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Production of the new F-150 Ranger Raptor R is earmarked to begin in late 2022 at the Dearborn Truck Plant.
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