Ford unleashes ‘most powerful Raptor’

Ford has introduced its most powerful Raptor to date: the F-150 Raptor R.

Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann described the newest introduction — which was inspired from vehicles that compete in the Baja 1000 — as the Blue Oval brand’s “ultimate Raptor”.

“When customers experience the 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,” he said.

Powering the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers a maximum output of 700hp and nearly 868Nm of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed transmission.

“Ford Performance enlisted the most powerful engine in its lineup — previously seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500 – optimizing it for Raptor-level off-road performance and Built Ford Tough durability. The result is the most torque-dense supercharged V8 yet in a production pickup,” the Blue Oval brand said in a statement.

Further, Ford Performance has upgraded the original engine’s exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, and is now fitted with a unique oil cooler and filter and a deeper oil pan. It also increased the air intake volume by 66 percent, thanks to its wider air intake inlet and a higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.

Meanwhile, the five-link rear suspension of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs. The electronically-controlled advanced Fox Live Valve dampers ensure ride quality and roll control on- and off-road.

“We’ve heard our customers demanding the sound and power of a V8 back in Raptor,” Widmann said. “That’s not something we were going to rush. This supercharged 5.2-liter V8 is the ideal fusion of high-density power paired with the third generation Raptor’s all-new rear suspension and shocks to deliver a one-two punch that goes far beyond the sum of its parts,” he explained.

Further, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R sits on 37-inch tires and has a 13.1-inch (3,327.4mm) ground clearance.

For its exterior, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R  wears a larger power dome while the iconic FORD grille, bumpers and fender flares are all on black paint.

“Raptor R is visually designed like a desert predator to catch the attention of Raptor customers and off-road enthusiasts,” Raptor R Lead Designer Tom Liu shared. “There are details big and small — from the more aggressive hood air extractor to the Code Orange ‘R’ badges — that visually communicate next level off-road performance under the Raptor R banner.”

Inside the cabin are Recaro seats (that sport a combination of black leather and Alcantara), carbon fiber trimmings on the doors, media bin door and upper parts of the instrument panel, and a 12-inch touch screen with Sync4 technology that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moreover, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is equipped with a suite of smart features such as trail turn assist, trail control (cruise control for off-roading), and Trail 1-Pedal Drive (allows customers to control throttle and braking with just one pedal).

While the production starts late 2022 at the Dearborn facility, customers can start ordering the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor (which is available in eight body colors, including the new Avalanche and Azure Gray Tri-Coat).

Photos from Ford

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