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With regards to high-horsepower, off-road-capable vehicles, few automobiles can compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor R. This souped-up pickup packs a 700-horsepower, supercharged V8 engine, a Baja-tuned suspension, and big all-terrain tires. We spent per week residing with this spectacular truck, together with a day hooning round in sand dunes.
What makes the Raptor R so particular is its mixture of energy and high-performance off-road prowess. It is received a full 13.1 inches of floor clearance, massive overfenders, underbody skid plates, and beefy aluminum working boards for climbing into the elevated crew cab. At 87 inches large with out the mirrors and 96 inches with the mirrors deployed, it is a full 7 inches wider than a base F-150. At almost 233 inches lengthy, it will be a good squeeze in a 20-foot storage.
Because of the added width, the truck additionally has triple LED clearance lights, a security requirement for all automobiles over 80 inches large. The entrance clearance lights sit atop a black honeycomb grille with an enormous FORD brand and a code orange “R” badge within the backside proper to point that is no peculiar Raptor. There are additionally purposeful tow hooks beneath the entrance and rear bumpers, together with compact Inflexible LED fog lamps. We’d have preferred to see a manufacturing facility winch, nevertheless it appears to be like like it’s important to go aftermarket if you would like one.
In distinction to the Raptor’s 3.5-liter turbo-6, there is a supercharged, 5.2-liter V8 engine sitting beneath the Raptor R’s monumental hood scoop. Based mostly on the identical energy plant discovered within the Shelby GT500, it sends 640 lb-ft. of torque to its four-wheel drivetrain through a whip-smart 10-speed computerized transmission that does not skip a beat. Regardless of having to encourage 6,100 kilos, it might speed up from 0 to 60 mph in nearly 3.9 seconds. It is also received sufficient oomph to tow as much as 8700 kilos in case you wish to deliver alongside a small camper or different powersports gear. We’d as properly not even discuss gas economic system, however with a 13 MPG mixed EPA score, you may be grateful this truck has a 36-gallon gas tank.
Throughout our day at Little Sahara State Park in Waynoka, Oklahoma, the Raptor R was at house within the dunes, gleefully tossing up sand alongside the UTVs, grime bikes, and ATVs. There are a number of driving modes accessible, together with Regular, Sport, Quiet, and Baja. Every drive mode adjusts the throttle mapping, suspension, steering, and exhaust, and you can even save a customized drive program. Sport mode was our favourite on paved roads, whereas Baja mode is clearly tuned for high-speed dune working.
The Raptor R’s suspension works wonders on all types of terrain with FOX Dwell Valve shocks with coilover springs. The suspension offers 13 inches of wheel journey up entrance and 14.1 inches in again for rolling over uneven terrain with ease. The suspension is extraordinarily forgiving when off-road, however it might really feel a bit of floaty on the freeway at speeds over 60 MPH. It is received 13.1 inches of floor clearance, a 33.1º strategy angle, a 24.9º departure angle, and a 24.4º breakover angle.
Wrapped round 17-inch alloy wheels, the 37-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO2 tires do not disappoint. They roll fortunately over rocky surfaces and tear by way of unfastened supplies like gravel, grime, and sand. They offered a superb quantity of grip on the dunes as soon as aired all the way down to 22 PSI from the tarmac-friendly 38 PSI manufacturing facility setting. Because of a locking rear differential, it drives assuredly by way of slippery and muddy terrain by making certain even energy distribution throughout the rear wheels.
The inside of the Raptor R has a daring and technical look, incorporating supplies like actual carbon fiber on the dashboard and leather-based and Alcantara on the seats. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has crimson accent stitching and a race-inspired crimson marker at 12-o’clock, which helps hold driver oriented to wheel place throughout aggressive steering maneuvers. The paddle shifters are good and lengthy, making them straightforward to faucet it doesn’t matter what place your arms are in. On the middle of the dashboard, you may discover a 14″ touchscreen that gives entry to multimedia controls and helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The middle armrest has a neat trick – a big fold-out desk hidden in its lid. With the push of a button, the shift lever folds flat, and you need to use the desk to work on a laptop computer or to get pleasure from your lunch whereas parked.
When off-roading, the display also can show stay video from a front-facing digital camera. This crisp, high-definition digital camera helps you see the place you are going when reaching the highest of a hill, and tips make sure you place your wheels appropriately when traversing obstacles.
The widescreen digital instrument cluster will be configured to show all types of data. Along with a tachometer, speedometer, and gauges, it might additionally present off-road particulars similar to wheel angle, automobile pitch and roll, and torque distribution.
Whereas the Raptor R is designed for high-speed desert antics and gradual rides by way of rocky trails, it does all of it in model. The large entrance seats are properly cushioned and supply additional isolation from tough terrain. In addition they have each warmth and air flow. A panoramic moonroof brings mild into the cabin, and the rear seats supply seemingly countless headroom and legroom. The rear seats can flip up when not in use, offering further inside cargo house. There’s additionally a pop-up storage bin for protecting gadgets organized and from sliding round again there.
The Raptor R is not only for weekend enjoyable within the dunes. It is nonetheless a completely purposeful F-150, and its 67.1-inch lengthy mattress has loads of house for carrying sheet items, lumber, and different provides. Payload capability is rated at 1400 kilos. The upgraded energy tailgate has a hidden step that slides out from its edge, offering simpler entry to its taller-than-usual mattress. The mattress has mounting factors for cross-bars, LED illumination, and a 110-volt energy outlet. One other considerate contact is the rulers embossed into the within of the tailgate.
There isn’t any query the Raptor R is a powerful truck. It is the highest-performance manufacturing facility F-150 you should purchase. It is a hoot to drive off-road and has terrific passing energy on the freeway. Whereas an ordinary F-150 Raptor begins at simply over $75,000 as of late, the added energy of the Raptor R bundle will increase that by a wallet-busting $31,575. With the moonroof, upgraded tailgate, and spray-in bedliner, our totally outfitted Raptor R had a sticker worth of $111,935.