Ford’s legendary Raptor desert-racing pickup will get a massive 56% increase in horsepower later this year when the 700-hp Raptor R joins the lineup. Among a host of other upgrades, Ford’s latest super truck will boast a version of the supercharged 5.2L engine that powers the $76,820 Mustang Shelby GT500.
Raptor R prices will start at $107,400, plus $1,745 destination charge. Prices for the 450-hp 2022 Raptor start at $69,905, excluding destination.
All Raptor Rs will have four-door crew cabs and 67.1-inch bed floors.
The Raptor’s prime competition, the $72,390 Ram 1500 TRX pickup, boasts 702 hp.
But it’s not about horsepower, Ford reps insist, politely waiting for you to stop laughing before explaining the Raptor is laden with chassis tech and features that make it superior for racing in the desert, rock crawling and soaring from the tops of sand dunes.
Particularly useful features include:
- Trail turn assist, which locks the inside rear wheel to pivot the pickup for tight turns.
- Trail control, which manages engine and braking so all the driver has to do is steer.
- One-pedal driving, which halts the vehicle when the driver lifts off the accelerator.
Raptor R technology
- Over the air updates
- 12-inch touch screen
- Keyless entry touch pad
- Remote start
- Push button start
- Adaptive cruise control
- Trail turn assist
Not your average 700-hp pickup
Raptor R features include standard 37-inch Goodrich all-terrain tires, electronically controlled Fox Live Valve shocks tuned for the V8’s power. Other upgrades to handle the V8’s 700-hp and 640 pound-feet of torque — more than the GT500, and tuned to be available at lower engine speeds — 10-speed automatic transmission, torque converter and a bigger diameter aluminum drive shaft.
Other goodies unique to the Raptor R:
- R button on the steering wheel for the driver’s preferred performance setting.
- New front axle.
- Dual exhaust system with active valves and four modes.
- “Quiet” mode for driving around the neighborhood.
- 24-inch coil springs
- 13 inches of front wheel travel.
- 14.1 inches of rear wheel travel.
- 13.1-inch ground clearance, 1.1-in. more than the standard Raptor.
The Raptor R will be available in eight colors. At 80.6 inches, the R’s roof is 0.8-inch higher than a base Raptor.
The Raptor R’s approach, departure and breakover angles — key measures of off-road ability — are greater than the base Raptor.
Key visual elements include a new hood with 1-inch higher power dome than the base Raptor; “Code Orange” badges; rear fender graphics meant to evoke cracked desert earth, and large all-caps “FORD” across the grille and a black panel in the middle of the tail gate.
Interior features include:
- Standard Recaro seats with black leather and Alcantara suede.
- Carbon fiber trim on the doors, instrument panel and center console.
Ford dealers are taking orders for the Raptor R now.
2023 Ford F-159 Raptor R at a glance
Base price: To be announced
All-wheel drive high performance crew cab full-size pickup
On sale late 2022
Engine: Supercharged 5.2L V8
Output: 700 hp @ 6,650 rpm; 640 pound-feet of torque @4,250
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: TBA
0-60 time: TBA
Top speed: TBA
Wheelbase: 145.4 inches
Length: 232.6 inches
Width: 87.9 inches (without mirrors)
Height: 80.6 inches
Bed volume: 52.8 inches
Ground clearance: 13.1 inches
Turning radius: 50 feet
Payload: 1,400 pounds
Towing capacity: 8,700 pounds
Assembled in Dearborn, Michigan