Supercharged V-8? Yes! 700-HP 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R debuts
Tim Esterdahl
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July 18, 2022
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0 comments
Tim Esterdahl
|
July 18, 2022
|
0 comments
Its finally official, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R will indeed get the supercharged V-8 engine producing an impressive 700 horsepower.
This super-powered F-150 is based off the current third-generation Raptor, with its unique styling, improved performance and tech. Then it adds a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 from the Mustang Shelby GT500 — plus a few other changes to handle this much awesomeness.
Oh, and don’t forget that Raptor R has standard 37-inch tires.
What’s special on 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R?
Simple: the sound. When customers shop for the ultimate off-road truck from factory, they don’t want it to sound weak, and the Raptor R addresses this issue a lot of people have with the stock Raptor and its high-output 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
Instead, you get a thunderous rumble from a truck, which just oozes cool.
The supercharged V-8’s sound is enhanced with a trick exhaust setup allowing you to set how much growl you want (Normal, Sport, Quiet or Baja) thanks to a unique dual exhaust system with a “true pass-through muffler and active valve system,” according to a Ford Motor Co. press release.
Also, Ford Performance recalibrated the supercharger and installed a new pulley to optimize the 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque for off-road use at high speeds. Plus there are improvements to air flow with volume increased by 66% thanks to a wider air intake inlet and higher-flow, higher-efficiency conical air filter.
But wait, there’s more! The 10-speed transmission was recalibrated to handle this performance, and the Raptor R has a new front axle with a “more robust, higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminum-ribbed structural cover as well as a unique larger-diameter aluminum driveshaft.”
Finally, there is a specially tuned torque converter with a heavy-duty turbine damper and four-pinion rear output assembly designed to handle the increased torque and provide a smoother feel when behind the wheel.
What’s with the orange R?
Besides the mechanical changes, designers made the Raptor R distinctive in a myriad of ways.
For example, the “R” in the Raptor R is colored differently on the hood scoop (which is 1 inch taller than the regular Raptor), the graphics on the rear (with a background image meant to look like a desert landscape) and throughout the cabin.
Also, the bumpers, cladding and wheels are all black, in order to emphasize its look on the outside. While inside, the Recaro seats with leather and Alcantara suede are also done in all black coloring.
Finally, there is a unique tri-axial weave carbon fiber on the trim for the doors, media bin and upper dash to make it stand out even more.
Pricing should be out soon, and order books open today, July 18, 2022.
The bottom line
Eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R certainly addresses the customer concerns over exhaust note and performance — and provides some competition for the Ram TRX. Now, the trick is, will Ford sell enough to keep the Raptor R around, or is this just a one-and-done kind of truck. Personally, I’m hoping it’ll stick.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Professional driver on a closed course. Always consult the Raptor supplement to the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Preproduction model with optional equipment shown. Available late 2022.
Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has covered the industry since 2011 and has been featured in many national magazines and articles like CBS Sunday Morning, News Nation, MotorTrend, Boston Globe and others. He has won awards for his work and is recognized as a truck expert in his field.
In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.
