Ford sells an enormous number of F-150 pick-up trucks. But they also make a high-performance, 450 hp model called the Raptor. Designed to conquer anything in its path, and terrify children with its looks. The F-150 Raptor has changed the way people perceive the utilitarian, blue-collar nature of pickup trucks. But if that's not enough for you, fear not. Shelby, the guys renowned to make Mustangs go faster, have fiddled with an F-150 Raptor, and it looks even meaner.
The Ford Shelby F-150 Raptor
Shelby has revealed its latest creation, the new Ford Shelby F-150 Raptor. The super-truck is now in its third generation, and it takes it to another level. Shelby prefers to call it the “most polished off-road truck ever we have offered.”
In case you forget, countless Shelby badges have been applied all around the truck. As they went around beefing up the vehicle, everything including the rocker panel decals, the tailgate, air intake, serial number plaques, floor mats, bedsides, and all the added accessories. But if you hadn’t noticed or missed it, the name Shelby has been molded into the front grille in big block letters, accented in red, just to make sure you do not mistake it for any old F-150 Raptor.
The front and rear steel bumpers have been redesigned. The lighting upgrade includes two 10-inch LED driving lights,
They are complemented by an additional 30-inch LED light bar mounted on the front bumper. Another 50-inch LED light bar is mounted on the top of the chase rack. This was just to ensure you have all the visibility when things go dark in the wilderness. To finish it off, the truck naturally features the contrasting Shelby twin stripes.
Shelby F-150 Raptor: Engine Upgrades
Shelby continues to use Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 motor. But a heap of upgrades allows it to make 75 more ponies and an additional 100 lb-ft of torque. Shelby has added a new high-flow air intake, a new aluminum intercooler, and an ECU tune. Additionally, Shelby has also added a new tuned performance exhaust. All of which result in magic numbers like 525 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. The standard F-150 Raptor makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The transmission continues to be the same 10-speed automatic as the standard model. For obvious reasons, power to sent to all four wheels.
Shelby F-150 Raptor: Suspension, Wheel Changes
Naturally, Shelby has given the F-150 Raptor a lift kit. However, the specifics have not been released. We expect the lift kit to raise the vehicle by up to four inches. We are informed that the Shelby Raptor will use 18-inch specially designed alloy wheels, with two spares mounted to the Shelby branded chase rack in the bed. All six of them will be wrapped in 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires.
Shelby has not mentioned on its website if the suspension has been revised or worked upon. It seems that Shelby has continued to use the same suspension setup as the stock model. It is no bad thing because the F-150 Raptor from the Ford factory comes equipped with 3-inch Fox Racing internal-bypass shocks with external reservoirs. They offer up to 13 inches of travel for the front axle, and nearly 14 inches for the rear.
Shelby F-150 Raptor: Updated Cabin
Like the Ford Raptor, the Shelby is also built on a four-door crew cab model. The Shelby has reworked the interior with its own special touch. The seats get the biggest upgrade with new leather upholstery. The custom leather upholstery features special embroidery for the “Shelby’ branding. The floor mats and the console badging are designed to match. The color combination on the interior of the truck is black, gray, and red. Additionally, the windows are tinted, the pedals are metallic, and carbon fiber inserts are trims in various parts of the cabin. The interior is finished off with a serial number on the dash that is entered in Shelby’s official registry.
The Beast Known As The Shelby F-150 Raptor
The F-150 Raptor with the Shelby treatment costs over $124,000. That is a lot of money for the aftermarket package. Especially considering that it is a staggering $60,000 increase on the factory-spec, and highly capable Ford F-150 Raptor. As the standard Raptor truck retails for around $65,000, the Shelby costs twice as much. Sure, the Shelby badges bring a whole lot of heritage and the truck looks like Carroll Shelby would seemingly be proud of. But it might be easier to upgrade the truck by yourself and save some cash in the process. Better yet, buy yourself a second Raptor, maybe the new Bronco.
Source: Shelby, Autoblog