2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R: V8 powerhouse unveiled

After months of rumours and teasers, the V8-powered Ford F-150 Raptor lives again – but a local launch is unconfirmed.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R offers a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT500 sports car, providing a significant performance increase over the base 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6.

Ford has modified the eight-cylinder ‘Predator’ for application in the F-150 Raptor R for improved low- and mid-range performance, with 522kW of power and 867Nm of torque – a 45kW drop and 20Nm increase.

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For reference, the Raptor R’s main rival – the supercharged Ram 1500 TRX – has almost identical power outputs, at 523kW and 882Nm, while the regular F-150 Raptor produces 336kW and 691Nm.

Despite the local availability of the Ram 1500 TRX, Ford Australia has not yet confirmed plans to ‘remanufacture’ the Raptor or Raptor R as part of its factory-backed, right-hand-drive conversion of the F-150 – due in 2023 with a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.

Ali Jammoul, vehicle program director for Ford Performance and Icons, told Wheels “never say never” on the possibility of a locally-converted F-150 Raptor (and Bronco).

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“We have to look at the opportunities. Right now, we are so focused and we have to get the Ranger [Raptor] into production, but… we’ll evaluate opportunities as they come,” said Jammoul.

“And like we did with F-150 for example, if the opportunity is there, we can make financial sense out of it, and it’s the right fit in the market strategically, we’ll do it. Right now we have no plans but hey, never say never.”

While the Ford F-150 Raptor R is less powerful than the Ram 1500 TRX, US media reports it will tip the scales at approximately 2700 kilograms – around 200kg less than the TRX.

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The weight advantage should allow the F-150 Raptor R to exceed the quoted 4.5-second 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time for the 1500 TRX, with Ford yet to provide an official number.

“We’ve heard our customers demanding the sound and power of a V8 back in Raptor,” said Ford Performance chief engineer, Carl Widmann.

The power loss compared to the GT500’s engine is due to a recalibration of the 2.65-litre supercharger and a smaller pulley, with Ford claiming the modifications will allow the Raptor R to “offer more performance at the speeds where customers spend most of their time driving.”

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There is also upgraded intake parts and a new oil system, with power sent to all four wheels through a revised 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring a specially-tuned torque converter and a larger driveshaft.

Other modifications include: a more-robust front axle, stainless steel exhaust manifolds, a unique oil cooler and filter, deeper oil pan, wider air intake inlet, and a high-flow conical air filter.

A dual-exhaust system with active valves allows owners to start their F-150 Raptor R in quiet mode, with normal, sport and Baja drive modes also offered.

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Under the skin, the F-150 Raptor R shares its Fox Live Valve shock absorbers with the V6 Raptor, with electronically-controlled dampers and height sensors.

With electronic suspension, selecting the Baja drive mode will increase the front spring rate by five per cent to improve ride quality over rough surfaces.

Ford claims the F-150 Raptor R has 333 millimetres of ground clearance, a 33.1-degree approach angle, 24.4-degree breakover angle, and 24.9-degree departure angle.

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As standard, it features 17-inch ‘beadlock-capable’ matte black alloy wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres – both available as options on the V6 Raptor.

Compared to the twin-turbo V6 Raptor, the V8 R has unique design elements, with a 25mm-taller ‘power dome’ intake on the bonnet, a black grille, bumpers and wheel arches, R badging in Code Orange, and an optional graphics package.

Inside, the F-150 Raptor R wears leather and suede Recaro seats, with real carbon fibre on the doors, dashboard and upper instrument panel.

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The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is available to order in the United States, with pricing starting from US$109,145 (AU$160,000) – around $US30,000 (AU$44,000) higher than a RAM 1500 TRX.

However, to match the standard equipment offered in the F-150 Raptor R, the TRX requires around US$20,000 (AU$29,500) worth of options.

Ford Australia is yet to confirm if the F-150 Raptor or Raptor R will be offered locally, following the launch of the regular, twin-turbo V6-powered F-150 from mid-2023.