FORD Efficiency has ripped the covers off its supercharged V8 F-150 Raptor R in the US this week, the hardcore, off-road focussed pick-up truck promising to be its quickest, strongest and most excessive Raptor but – simply don’t anticipate the mannequin in Australia any time quickly.
Impressed by the intense desert-racing trophy vehicles that compete within the Baja 1000, and designed and engineered by Ford Efficiency, the F-150 Raptor R is powered by the identical 5.2-litre supercharged V8 discovered below the bonnet of the Mustang Shelby GT500, delivering a powerful 522kW of energy and a staggering 868Nm of torque.
Ford final provided a V8 engine in a Raptor mannequin again in 2014.
Ford says the “torque dense” V8 is optimised for off-road efficiency and sturdiness with a brand new pulley for improved low-end and mid-range response, stainless-steel exhaust manifolds, a bespoke oil cooler and filtration system, a deeper sump, and a wider air consumption with conical filter.
The F-150 Raptor R additionally receives an upgraded 10-speed SelectShift computerized transmission and heavy-duty torque converter, toughened axles, a bigger diameter driveshaft, a four-mode exhaust system, adaptive driveline and steering and suspension modes accessible with the press of the ‘R’ button on the steering wheel.
In step with its desert-racer lineage, the F-150 Raptor R is suspended by five-link rear suspension with prolonged trailing arms, a Panhard rod and 610mm coil springs. Damping comes courtesy of Fox Stay Valve electronically managed shocks. Wheel journey is listed at 330mm up entrance and 358mm on the rear. Entrance spring charges are upped 5 per cent over these present in the usual F-150 Raptor whereas floor clearance – elevated partially by factory-fitted 37-inch tyres—is listed at 333mm.
“(The) Raptor R is our final Raptor. When prospects expertise Raptor R within the desert and past, it can make the hairs on the again of their necks arise – they usually’ll love each second of it,” stated Ford Efficiency chief engineer Carl Widmann.
“We’ve heard our prospects demanding the sound and energy of a V8 again in Raptor. That’s not one thing we’re going to hurry. This supercharged 5.2-litre V8 is the perfect fusion of high-density energy paired with the third-generation Raptor’s all-new rear suspension and shocks to ship a one-two punch that goes far past the sum of its components.”
The F-150 Raptor R is denoted visually by a bigger, extra aggressively styled energy dome on the bonnet, F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, and black-finished bumpers, grille and fender flares. The mannequin is additional distinguished by Ford Efficiency-exclusive Code Orange accents together with ‘R’ badging on the grille, energy dome and tailgate, and a particular graphics package deal on the rear fenders.
Inside, the F-150 Raptor R options an all-black inside with Recaro seats clad together black leather-based and Alcantara suede, carbon-fibre trim garnishing and what Ford Efficiency says is a spread of good expertise aimed toward making off-roading simpler together with Path Flip Help, Ford Path Management and Path 1 Pedal Drive.
Infotainment duties are dealt with through a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC4 interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and Ford Energy-Up over-the-air software program replace functionality.
The F-150 Raptor R shall be out there in eight colors and is out there from order in the US now.
Domestically, Ford Australia instructed GoAuto that it has no plans to introduce Raptor variations of its F-150 pick-up truck.
“We’ve no information to share on any plans to introduce the F-150 Raptor R to Australia,” stated Ford Australia and New Zealand communications director, Matt Moran.
GoAuto understands Ford Australia will reintroduce base variants of the F-150 to native showrooms by mid 2023, the vary to be transformed from left- to right-hand drive by Thailand-based engineering agency RMA Automotive Holdings.
Ford will initially supply two F-150 grades in Australia: the extremely specified XLT and Lariat grades each powered by a twin turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
Globally, Ford’s F-150 vary continues to be the topic of a manufacturing shortfall.
Semiconductor shortages pressured the producer to droop the manufacturing of its pick-up truck vary earlier this 12 months, the recognition of each conventionally powered and electrical fashions (referred to as the F-150 Lightning) putting calls for on manufacturing Ford continues to be struggling to fulfill.
Certainly, Ford Australia is struggling to maintain tempo with orders of its newly launched Ranger.
The most recent mannequin obtained over 17,000 orders when Ford opened the order books earlier this month – together with 4000 Ranger Raptors – creating unprecedented demand and pushing ready occasions for the brand new mannequin out by a number of months.
As reported by GoAuto just lately, Ford Australia has added sources to its web site to supply prospects and potential consumers with up-to-date automobile availability data.
The initiative was prompted by robust curiosity within the Ranger, Ranger Raptor and Everest, in addition to international semiconductor and pandemic-related provide chain challenges, which imply some prospects will face prolonged waits.
The online web page is up to date usually to supply prospects with up-to-date data on automobile provide and solutions widespread questions.
“We all know potential consumers and intending prospects need correct data and transparency about wait occasions and when their automobile will arrive,” stated Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“This devoted webpage will hold them knowledgeable however we’d additionally encourage prospects to remain involved with their sellers concerning the standing of their automobile.”
