2023 Ford Raptor R Is The “ultimate Raptor” As V8-powered Truck Can Now Be Ordered | Regional News

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Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.

Ford F-150 Raptor R order book is open

When Ford debuted the next-generation Ford Raptor last year there was some excitement, but also some disappointment amongst enthusiasts. The initial offering of the third-generation Ford F-150 Raptor did not come with a V8 opting for a high-output V6 instead. But rumors spread of a V8-powered Raptor coming in the near future and now, you can officially order the Ford Raptor R.

The order book opens today (July 18) for the 2023 F-150 Raptor R which is the most powerful F-150 Raptor ever, featuring a new 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that cranks out 700 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque.

“Raptor R is our ultimate Raptor,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance 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.”

Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.

The Raptor R was developed by Ford Performance to follow in the footsteps of the Raptor’s original history as a desert-racing trophy truck.

To do so, 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.

Ford Performance recalibrated this V8 engine’s supercharger and installed a new pulley to optimize its power for off-road use, increasing torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range. These changes help Raptor R offer more performance at the speeds where customers spend most of their time driving.

To maintain the extreme off-road durability the Raptor brand is known for, Ford Performance upgraded the original engine’s exhaust manifolds to a cast stainless steel design, including a unique oil cooler and filter, plus a deeper oil pan enabling it to tackle aggressive grades while keeping the engine oil cool. To help the engine breathe better, air intake volume is increased 66% via a wider air intake inlet and a higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.

“We’ve heard our customers demanding the sound and power of a V8 back in Raptor,” said Widmann. “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.”

Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.

The sound and performance is worthy of the Raptor name, but the 2023 Raptor R has the iconic look too with what Ford calls a “purpose-built design.”

A larger, more aggressively styled power dome on the hood sits nearly 1 inch taller than on the base Raptor, helping extract warm air from underneath. Iconic F-O-R-D grille, bumpers and fender flares painted black underscore its menacing looks.

“Raptor R is visually designed like a desert predator to catch the attention of Raptor customers and off-road enthusiasts,” said Tom Liu, Raptor R lead designer. “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.”

Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange accents include a unique “R” badge on the grille, power dome and tailgate. A special graphics package on the rear fenders feature a unique design that mirrors the harsh, cracked desert earth, reinforcing the type of environment Raptor R is built to conquer.

Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.

F-150 Raptor R will be available in eight color options, including new Avalanche and Azure Gray Tri-Coat exterior paint offered on the Raptor lineup for the first time.

Ordering for F-150 Raptor R opens July 18 and production starts late 2022 at Dearborn Truck Plant. Contact your dealer for more information.

Originally published on theweekenddrive.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.

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