What a difference a V8 makes in the Ford F-150 Raptor R, right?
Yes, we know that racing a Ford F-150 Raptor vs a massively more powerful Raptor R down a paved drag strip (and not in the desert, for instance) has relatively little to do with what these super trucks were built for. We might even agree, in an alternative universe. We think it’s a fantastic way to illustrate what you’re getting for an additional $26,000. With a base price of over $109,145, you’re in GMC Hummer EV territory for a gas pickup truck. By the way, we’re hearing that some dealers are adding ridiculous amounts to money to the Raptor R. A fan reported one for nearly $200,000.
Regardless of unscrupulous dealerships, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is truly the next step above the “regular” F-150 Raptor. Using a similar, supercharged 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 found in the Mustang GT500, Ford engineers revamped the powertrain for truck use. Still, it makes 700 horsepower and 640 lbs-feet of torque. That power shoots through a modified 10-speed automatic transmission. That type of power running through a 6,000-lbs truck means serious get-up-and-go.
The Ford Raptor 37 (it comes with 37-inch tires, like the Raptor R) has a twin-turbo, V6 3.5 Liter EcoBoost engine that makes 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Seriously, that’s more than enough power to move the Raptor in any off-road eventuality; however, Ram changed everything. When the Ram TRX came out, it took the Raptor’s crown with its ridiculous, supercharged HEMI. You’ll hear more about the TRX in the very near future.
As it is: the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is very similar to the Ford F-150 Raptor 37, just with the exception of the powertrain and a few bits. Andre actually points out the minor differences in this video. On top of that, he gives us a real-world 0 to 60 mph run in both trucks. The differences are eye-popping.
Remember I mentioned the TRX? Well, we got one to dance with the Raptor R, but that’s coming in a few days. Stay tuned for that!
