The manic new Ford F-150 Raptor R packs a 700HP punch!

Meet the Latest and Mightiest version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck yet – it’s got an ‘R’ Badge now!

Sitting as the new range-topping trim level in Ford’s F-150 model line, the Ford F-150 Raptor R sees the return of a V8 mill here, and it’s a mighty one at that. Lifted straight out of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, it packs a meaty 5.2-litre displacement, whilst a supercharger guarantees whopping output figures of 700HP and 868Nm.

The transplant sees Ford Performance readjust things slightly from said super-Mustang, namely by brimming a new pulley the supercharger for enhanced torque delivery in the low-to-mid rpm ranges. There’s also stainless-steel exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust system with multiple sound profiles (normal, sport, quiet and Baja), an upgraded oil cooler and filter, plus wider intake inlets and a high-flow filter.

Tweaked here too is the 10-speed transmission paired with the supercharged V8. As for the driveline, the Ford F-150 Raptor R gets a beefed-up front axle, larger new aluminium driveshaft, as well as a “specially tuned” torque converter primed with a heavy duty turbine damper.

Tasked with suspension duties are specially-tuned 24-inch springs and active Fox shocks that Ford claims to have up to 13 inches of wheel travel up front and 14.1 inches at the rear. In short, this is a performance truck that will hit serious speeds on and off the pavement.

As the mighty Blue Oval marque puts it, this is “the fastest, most powerful, most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor yet”. Apart from its mighty powerplant, there’s plenty of other bits to justify its racy orange-hued ‘R’ badging present inside and out. Highlights include a ‘POWER DOME’ on the bonnet, black exterior detailing, a graphics pack, and actual Recaro sport seats.

All that remains of the base Ford F-150 here are things like the 4.2-inch instrument display panel, 360-degree parking camera, electronically adjustable leather seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, sunroof, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, SecuriCode keypad, and a Terrain Management System.

What do you folks think? Is this the long-awaited return to form of Ford’s mighty ‘Trophy Truck’ for the road that you’ve been yearning for?