High-performance trucks seemed unlikely a few years ago, but today, we can even buy 700hp+ V8 monsters that can even beat a whole host of supercars in a 0-60mph race. This is ludicrous for a pickup truck, but it seems like the US market loves pickup trucks so much that they want them in all possible variants.
The upcoming 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is going to be the performance version of the performance version Ford F150 Raptor that is now going to tune the F150 to 11. The F150 Raptor use to feature a V8 engine but was replaced by an EcoBoost unit for the few previous generations which were never really accepted by many Ford enthusiasts.
This was only made worse when Dodge came out with the TRX which features a V8 and a lot more power than the Raptor. The TRX even comes with center console graphics that feature a t-rex eating a raptor. Ford wasn’t too impressed with Dodge throwing shade at the Raptor which is also why the new 2023 Raptor R is designed to eat the TRX.
In this article, we will tell you all about 2023 Ford F150 Raptor R, the amazing V8 engine it gets, and all the other features that come with it. So, if that is something that interests you, be sure to read this article!
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R – The Powertrain
If you are one of those people who never managed to accept the fact that the Raptor features a small EcoBoost engine, you can rest freely because the Raptor R is getting the Shelby GT500 “Predator” engine that is going to restore the beloved V8 sound with 700hp and 640lb-ft of torque which is 250hp more and 140lb-ft more than the standard Raptor.
Ford also introduced a much larger air intake that is now able to breathe in 66% more air into the engine which will keep the temperatures down and enable the engine to withstand such a heavy truck. New oil coolers, unique exhaust manifolds, a deeper oil pan, a recalibrated supercharger unit, a small-diameter pulley… all of this indicates that this is pretty much a new engine.
Ford says that the Raptor R can do 112mph which is a lot for a truck with 37-inch tires. The Raptor R features a 10-speed automatic torque converter transmission from the SelectShift range. The best thing about the new 2023 Ford Raptor R is the soundtrack as the new V8 sounds glorious and shows that an EcoBoost in a Raptor simply isn’t enough.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R – Design and Driving
Design-wise, the Raptor R does differ from the F150 Raptor, but not too much. The front hood, or what Ford likes to call it, the “power dome” now sits an inch higher so it can fit the V8 engine more freely. The truck also features a whole host of Raptor R decals that are designed to scare away Dodge TRX owners.
New 37-inch grabby tires come with all Raptor R versions while the interior is cladded with carbon fiber, microsuede instead of leather, and new Recaro sports seats with new R logos. The driving experience isn’t too different from the V6 Raptor as the Raptor R features pretty much the same suspension setup with the same ground clearance.
These trucks are designed to go fast in straight lines which means that you won’t really be racing these at a track. Those huge 37-inch tires are bigger than anything you get from any TRX model from the factory which makes this truck perfect for Baja and desert speeding.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R – Pricing and Market
The 2023 Ford Raptor R is going to start at $109,145 with an included $1,795 destination charge. It is going to arrive in dealerships by the end of this year but Ford says that they are already open to taking orders. Ford didn’t say if the Raptor R is going to be limited in production which means that it likely won’t be.
We might see Ford trying to sell as many Raptor R models in a few years of available products and thus limit the model that way. Either way, when the Ford F150 Raptor R hits the roads, chances are that values will soon skyrocket which will entice many F150 Raptor R owners to flip their cars for a significant profit.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford F-150 Raptor R better than the Dodge RAM TRX?
One of the most exciting rivalries in the truck market of all time is the one between the upcoming Ford F150 Raptor R and the existing Dodge RAM TRX. The TRX is a bit more powerful but is likely about 500-1000lbs heavier than the Raptor R which means that its power-to-weight ratio is not as good as with the Raptor R.
We can say that both of these trucks are downright crazy and your purchasing decision is going to depend on which one of these two brands you like more and if you prefer the “Predator” Shelby V8 against the iconic “Hellcat” V8.
How can I order a Ford F150 Raptor R?
If you are interested in buying the 2033 Ford Raptor R, you should simply stroll down to your local Ford dealership and ask for an allocation. This means that you will officially reserve your build spot by paying a deposit at a Ford dealership. This deposit will later be applied toward the purchasing price of your vehicle.
The problem here is that many dealers are going to ask for large markups on the Raptor R. There are quite a few cases where dealers are asking as much as $25,000 on top of the purchasing price of the F150 Raptor R which is just silly.
Is the Ford F150 Raptor R a performance truck?
The Ford F150 Raptor R is a performance truck because it offers upwards of 700hp from its Shelby GT500-derived V8. Even though these trucks weren’t designed for track use, they can hold their own while cornering. Sure, they are better than regular F-Series trucks, but as a whole, these are just designed to have fun with.