The Ford F-150 Raptor R pushes the limits of physics as an extreme desert racing truck. It’s only compitor is Ram with the TRX.
Boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that makes 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, the Ford Raptor R is built to test all the limits.
Exceptional Performance
The Raptor R is built for speed. It comes with 4WD and can get from zero to 60 MPH in four seconds. It can race the quarter-mile in 12 seconds. It’s not a particularly fuel-efficient truck, but if for some reason you want to tow with it, the max towing capacity is 8,700 pounds. The Raptor is also comfortably equipped and offers a smooth ride. Not bad for the most powerful full-size production truck ever offered.
If you want to race in the desert, then all the positives of this truck make up for the negatives. It’s not an everyday driver. It’s expensive, it isn’t fuel efficient, and it’s big. But it’s unlikely that anyone seriously looking at a Ford F-150 Raptor R will care about any of those issues.
Incredible Capability
It’s incredible to realize that the Raptor R weighs over 6,000 pounds and is equipped with 37-inch tires, but it can accelerate from zero to 60 in only four seconds. The supercharged V8 borrowed from the Shelby GT 500 Mustang is the reason for the Raptor R’s incredible power. The appropriately named Predator engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that finds the right gear quickly for any situation.
The Raptor R comes with Fox Dual Live Valve Dampers that are designed to take on the most extreme conditions. On the pavement, this translates to one of the smoothest rides you can imagine in a large pickup truck. Thanks to the Predator engine’s increased output, the Raptor R also enjoys an upgraded torque converter, front axle, and drive shaft.
Of course, this increased capability means that the Raptor R is a pretty awful choice for a daily driver. It comes with a 36-gallon fuel tank that allows it to have 360 miles of range with a lowly combined mileage of 10.1 MPG as tested. The EPA rates it for 12 MPG.
Final Thoughts
While current Ford F-150 lease deals are unlikely to cover this particular truck, this is essentially the sports car of pickups. The Raptor R comes only in the SuperCrew body style. The cabin is very roomy and well-appointed. It’s not easy to get into though with 13 inches of ground clearance. The controls are well laid out, but there is a dizzying array of buttons that might take some getting used to.
The modern tech features you’ve come to expect are all here. This includes wireless smartphone capability and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. Several standard active safety features are also included. Ford has included a few systems to deal with challenging off-road conditions as well.
Ultimately, the Ford F-150 Raptor R is an incredible machine. It does what it’s meant to do with exceptional ease. This makes it a once-in-a-lifetime performance purchase.
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