The new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a TRX killer with unbeatable off-road capability and impressive performance. The Raptor R comes with an epic engine upgrade alongside major renovations over the standard Raptor. Ford has finally found a way to equip the F-150 Raptor R with a V8 engine – it comes with a 5.2-liter V8 (supercharged) that produces 700-hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 F-150 Raptor R comes with 37-inch tires and other impressive features such as standard carbon-fiber accents in the cabin, upholstery mixed with black leather, stiffer front springs, and tuned dampers to handle the weight. The 2023 Raptor R has a starting price of almost $30,000 more than the standard Raptor – $109,145.
The F-150 Raptor R is the most powerful F-series truck (Ford has put the TRX together with the standard Raptor and the Raptor R). This vehicle is guaranteed to keep all truck lovers on their toes as it signals the start of the heavyweight title fight (Raptor vs. TRX). So, keep reading this article to learn more about the new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
Features of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
Written below are some exciting things to expect from the F-150 Raptor R; orders are already open, and productions will start this fall.
Read Also:
- How to Get Car Out of Mud
- 10 New SUVs to Avoid
- Best Car Wash Soap for Black Cars
- Best Car Seat for 4-Year-Old
Engine Power and Payload Capacity
As stated above, the 2023 Raptor R comes with a 5.2-liter V8 engine (supercharged) that produces 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. This engine was borrowed from the Shelby Mustang GT500 but is, of course, a retuned version. It was rumored that a V8 engine would power the F-150 Raptor R, and those rumors have been confirmed.
There were different V8 options at Ford’s disposal to put under the hood of the Raptor R – 5.2-liter V8 (Predator), 5.8-liter V8 (Coyote), and 7.3-liter V8 (Godzilla) – but they went for the most obvious option. Since it is a retuned version, there are some differences between the V8 in the Raptor R and the one under the hood of the Shelby GT500.
Shelby’s GT500 motor produces 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor R’s motor produces 700 hp at 6,650 rpm and 640 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The Raptor R was designed for optimal performance in its off-roading driving conditions (desert and rock climbing). It also comes with a newer, stronger front axle, a thicker driveshaft, a new oil filter and cooler, and a deeper oil pan.
The 2023 Raptor R produces 250 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, more than the standard Raptor. It also has a SelectShift automatic gearbox (10-speed) like every other F-150 with an updated torque converter and new calibration. The Raptor R is much lighter than the TRX; the former weighs 5,950 pounds while the latter weighs 6,350 pounds.
The Raptor R has a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.
Lastly, according to Car and Driver, the Raptor R’s V8 has a redesigned exhaust which makes it able to rival the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX (770-hp). The exhaust sound is loud and powerful enough to wake the neighbors and scare children. But, drivers can opt for the quieter cold start mode, which is less noisy.
Interior and Exterior Design
The F-150 Raptor R is not exactly different from the standard Raptor when it comes to looks, and this is because Ford did not want those who got the less powerful version to regret their decision. Of course, some designs distinguish the Raptor R from the standard Raptor as Ford also wanted the Raptor R owners to be able to differentiate.
A significant sign that distinguishes the Raptor R from the standard Raptor is the power dome on the hood, which is slightly taller (about an inch) than the V6 versions. There are also multiple R callouts on the vehicle in a shade of code orange (small badges on the tailgate, grille, and power dome). Also, ‘ RaptorR’ is written on the vehicle’s hood (the R is in orange).
These are some ways to differentiate a Raptor R from a standard Raptor. People who prefer a cleaner look with fewer graphics can choose to have them removed, and they do not have to pay for this upgrade. As expected, the interior design of the Raptor R is similar to the other Ford F-150s, while the technology and other features are similar to the standard Raptor.
The Raptor R has the exact measurements as the standard Raptor, except that it is 0.8 inches taller due to the big tires. It is 96 inches wide, 232.6 inches long, has a 145.4-inch long wheelbase, and is 80.6 inches tall. The cabin is not luxurious as it is more sporty; it has a black theme and standard Recaro seats with an upholstery mix of Alcantara suede and black leather.
There are some code orange accents and carbon fiber elements on the instrument panel (upper parts), the doors, the seats, the steering wheel, etc. The Raptor R has a standard 12-inch touchscreen powered by SYNC 4 technology and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Additional Information
The Raptor R is 100 pounds heavier than the standard version, and every Raptor R has massive 37-inch tires (All Terrain BFGoodrich KO2). These massive tires are also found on the V6 Raptor giving both models 13.1 inches of ground clearance. The only thing that makes the Raptor R different are the tuned dampers and stiffer front springs to handle the extra weight.
The Raptor R’s suspension system has been completely redesigned alongside the regular Raptor; it has a five-link rear suspension setup and a self-supporting front suspension system similar to the TRX. The Raptor R has a travel range of 13 inches (front wheel) and 14.1 inches (rear wheel).
The Raptor R has four drive modes – Normal, Baja, Quiet, and Sport. Trail Control (cruise control for off-roading), Trail Turn Assist (reduces the turning radius), and Trail One Pedal Drive.
Conclusion
The new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a killer truck with a killer engine; it has fantastic features and is the off-road truck war every truck lover needs. Ford has two raptors to choose from; the F-150 Raptor R and the regular Raptor.
