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After 74 years of successful production and an impressive number of variations, the famous Ford F-series continues to grow and wow customers all over the world. Just recently, the iconic American manufacturer announced the arrival of the most powerful F-150 model yet — the mighty Raptor R — and, by the first looks of it, it will be a very special truck indeed.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R aims to continue its lineup's tradition of providing the most reliable performance in highly demanding outdoor conditions. Well, and take it to a new level, too. Namely, Ford claims the new Raptor R will be its fastest and most extreme high-performance off-road pickup truck for the desert.
But, while it's clear that Ford built this massive vehicle for rough use, it's not styling that makes the new Raptor R a desert beast. It's the supercharged 5.2-liter "Predator" V8 sitting at the center of this pickup truck that helps it breathe fire and conquer terrains.
Today, we'll take a closer look at this very best feature of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
The Most Powerful F-150 Raptor Ever Packs The Supercharged 5.2-Liter "Predator" V8 From The Shelby GT500
Much to everyone's delight, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R now packs an engine worthy of the "most powerful Raptor ever" title. The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 under its hood is actually the one from the Shelby GT500, also commonly known as the Predator. Considering the specs it provides, that's quite a suitable name for this engine — and one many will like to brag about this and the years to come.
Still, the Predator from the new Raptor R is not quite the same as the one from the Shelby GT500. While in the mighty Mustang this engine produces jaw-dropping 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, in the Raptor R, it outputs (still very much magnificent) 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Why change the power, though?
It's really because of the different purposes these two vehicles have. The optimized Predator now allows the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R to travel through sand and over rocks with the uttermost efficiency, making the vehicle a real off-road beast — which Ford wanted it to be, clearly.
Essentially, Ford traded a few ponies for some extra torque, which makes perfect sense considering the conditions the pickup truck aims to battle. The recalibrated engine with a new pulley optimizes performance by increasing torque delivery at the low- and mid-rev range.
Moreover, the original engine's exhaust manifolds got a stainless steel design with an advanced oil cooler and filter and a deeper oil pan for more durability. Through these advancements and a 66% increased air intake volume, the supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8 is much more efficient.
The Supercharged 5.2-Liter “Predator” V8 Engine In The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Gets Accompanied By Several Rugged Components For Off-Road Dominance
But no matter how potent, what is the 5.2-liter Predator V8 without the quality and advanced components to follow and support it throughout the impressive power delivery?
To ensure the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R can run smoothly and handle off-road obstacles, the engineering team equipped it with a 10-speed SelectShift transmission with improved calibration and a new front axle with a carrier casting and aluminum cover. These upgrades and a unique torque converter guarantee the truck can handle the extra torque and provide smooth operation at all times.
Of course, we also have to mention the advanced and rugged suspension with FOX live valve shocks that further help drivers take advantage of the Predator's power. With the help of electronically controlled dampers that use various sensors to monitor conditions on the road and adjust the suspension accordingly, drivers of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R are sure to enjoy some seriously balanced rides, even in the desert.
On top of everything we mentioned, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R offers several driving modes to tune the power output with the owner's driving preferences and conditions. In this set of available modes (Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja), Baja is the option to choose for fast zooming over (or through, for that matter) rough terrains. But, of course, one can go for any of the available driving options and customize other settings, such as steering and suspension, on the MyMode feature.
Anyhow, that's a short overview of the mighty supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8 that sits in the rather aggressive-looking 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. As expected, Ford ensured its newest and most powerful truck follows the rugged design of its fire-breathing engine inside out. Sadly, such an impressive ride starts at about $100,000, but we suppose that's not much of a surprise.