Ford has unleashed its new 2023 F-150 Raptor R, the most powerful version of its high-performance off-roader. The new truck uses a 5.2L supercharged V8, last seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500, that makes 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. If you want that extra power, the Raptor R is now open for ordering, although pricing hasn’t yet been announced.
That engine is quite a lift up from the regular Raptor, which uses a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 that cranks out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. According to Carl Widmann, chief engineer for Ford Performance, “We’ve heard our customers demanding the sound and power of a V8 back in Raptor.”
Alterations to the engine for the Raptor R include a deeper oil pan, cast stainless-steel exhaust manifolds, wider air intake inlet, and higher-flow air filter. The ten-speed automatic transmission has a specially-tuned torque converter and four-pinion rear output assembly.
The dual exhaust included an active valve system and pass-through muffler, with modes that go from Quiet – so you don’t wake the neighbours on your morning coffee run – to Baja. The exhaust can be included as part of a customizable setting, along with steering, suspension mode and others, activated with an “R” button the steering wheel.
The greasy bits include Fox Live Valve electronically-controlled shocks, extra-long trailing arms, 24-inch coil springs, and wheel travel of 13 inches in front and 14.1 inches in back. The standard tires are 37-inch, and ground clearance is 13.1 inches.
Visual cues that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Raptor include a larger hood power dome, “Code Orange” exterior accents including an “R” badge, and a rear graphics package. The black interior includes Recaro seats and real carbon-fibre trim in tri-axial weave. As with the regular Raptor, the Raptor R includes off-road features such as Trail Turn Assist for sharper cornering; and one-pedal driving with no need to use the brakes when slowing or stopping on the trails.
It all sounds great and we can’t wait to drive it, but we’re also a bit puzzled. Its closest rival is Ram’s TRX, which contains a supercharged 6.2L V8 that makes 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. We saw Ram and Ford get goofy with the torque numbers in their heavy-duty diesel trucks, where one would announce a small increase and the other would one-up it by a couple more pound-feet. So we’re very surprised that the Raptor R didn’t squeeze out just three more horses and top the TRX with 703.
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