Pics Aplenty: SVT Raptor gettin' down and dirty
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The recently-introduced Ford F-150 SVT Raptor seems to elicit emotional responses that range from "What's the point?" to "I need one NOW!" Opinions aside, the fact is that the SVT Raptor is one highly capable truck. We were able to get a ride in the passenger seat of one in the Nevada desert outside Las Vegas, and can attest to its ability to handle everything thrown at it. The beefy suspension upgrades and BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO tires make the Raptor the best off-roading production truck ever built. Period. The guys at SVT weren't shy about exploiting this, and seemed to especially love kicking up as much dirt as possible (we're still cleaning all the dust out of our cameras). Ford recently posted some beautiful new photos of the Raptor doing just that, which we've added to the high-res gallery below. Enjoy!
Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
[Source: Ford]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
finc.jb 1:30PM (11/14/2008)
So how does this compare to the "stock" Rams used in the Ram Challenge series being presented by Dodge? So far all I've seen of the Ford is it kicking up some dirt. This is by no means a slam on the Raptor, I'm just asking is all :)
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Richard 1:53PM (11/14/2008)
well there is a video online somewhere that shows a prototype goin 100mph on a very bump stretch of the desert.....no other stock pickup besides the raptor can do that safely
finc.jb 1:59PM (11/14/2008)
I don't think I said what i wanted to correctly, so I'll try again. How does this "Special Edition" Ford compare to a "stock" every day Ram?
Again I'm not slamming the Raptor, if I couldn't buy a Ram this is what I'd want and only this version of the F-150.
KeithM 2:06PM (11/14/2008)
The difference is control.
The dodge uses springs to survive the bumpy stuff, where the Raptor relies on shock dampening and wheel travel. The end result is where the Raptor is cruising happily in the desert, the Dodge is bouncing all over the place. They are probably fairly comparable when it comes to off road capability, but the Raptor will get you there a lot faster and smoothly.
TJ 2:08PM (11/14/2008)
One is a basic 1500 pickup, the other is a lifted pre-runner with full race-ready long travel suspension.
Take your ram, add about $15k of aftermarket pre-runner parts, another 5k in engine mods, then you compete against the raptor...
and I am also a Ram man. The Raptor is SWEET.
Shipey 2:10PM (11/14/2008)
It's got a much heavier-duty suspension, bigger rolling stock, and more juice underhood.
This article from Inside Line has all the deets you need.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=135146
Chase 2:56PM (11/14/2008)
Normal pickups are for carrying stuff (and not getting stuck doing so). This Raptor isn't for carrying stuff.
Shipey 3:42PM (11/14/2008)
Oh, it's for hauling stuff all right... haulin' a**.
Sharone 11:47PM (11/14/2008)
The images were photoshopped by the same guys who did the job for the Iranian missile test. Pathetic.
chuck 10:21PM (11/15/2008)
How does it differ from a Ram 1500 TRX? Didn't have time to read the press release? If you're a 4x4 truck guy, you'd appreciate what the Raptor is offering:
Raptor had an electronic locking rear differential for max side-to-side traction (and it works in 2Hi, 4Hi and 4Lo) vs Ram's weak clutch-plate LSD. Advantage Raptor
Raptor has 11" and 13.4" of front and rear suspension travel respectively vs. Ram's approximate 8" and 10". This gives Raptor the ability to soak up rough terrain at high speeds as well as the articulation to climb over the really rocky stuff if you like rock crawling or extreme trails. Advantage Raptor.
Raptor has almost 35" tires on 17" rims for tons of sidewall and extra axle ground clearance vs. Ram's 32" tires. Advantage Raptor
Raptor has 4 tow hooks (2 front and 2 rear) vs Rams 2 tow hooks in the front. Advantage Raptor.
Raptor has a first-gear crawl ratio of 45 vs the Ram's 33 for excellent hill decent, and slow&controlled climbs over obstacles. Advantage Raptor.
Raptor has long travel external bypass reservoir FOX shock for extreme fade resistance and wheel control over rough terrain beating any twintube Ram has. Advantage Raptor
Raptor has off-road tuned mode of ABS, Traction/stability control, transmission shift scheduling, and throttle mapping (including the ability to turn those stability nanny's off) for proper off-road performance and control vs. Ram's traditional system and single throttle mapping and shift scheduling. Advantage Raptor.
Raptor has a specially designed front bumper with an over-wrapping front skidplate (and without the typical front spoiler that kills approach angle). Combine that with the raised ride-height means the Raptor has a much better approach angle of 30 deg (from FourWheeler) than the Ram's meager 20 deg. Advantage Raptor.
Raptor's ground clearance is 11.2" (from FourWheeler) vs. Ram's clearance of 7.7"
Raptor is obviously an off-road truck for off-road enthusiasts. If that's what you want, Raptor is leaps and bounds beyond a Ram TRX or any other half-ton out there.
TriShield 1:34PM (11/14/2008)
Cool variant for a good product.
It reminds me somewhat of the Dodge Ram Power Wagons made for off-roading on the last generation model.
Too bad we're not going to see an SVT Fusion anytime soon.
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JayP 2:30PM (11/14/2008)
At least SVT is still alive. Remember a while back of the rumors of SVT getting cut?
P B 4:09PM (11/14/2008)
No Kidding.
Now get cracking on my 260+ Hp Focus.
Torrent 1:41PM (11/14/2008)
At first I bashed it, but now I don't think it looks too bad.
1 question, though... Can I get a different grille.
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mdm-adph 4:48PM (11/14/2008)
Thank god I'm not the only one. Cool truck, but that's the stupidest grill I've seen in a long, long time. It's as tacky as those people who get cursive white lettering for their windshields that say stuff like "Camaro" or "Gran Am".
David 1:45PM (11/14/2008)
I would like to know what sorts of cameras and lenses you use for your pictures!
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EVan 1:52PM (11/14/2008)
Love the grill.
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Mobius_1 1:54PM (11/14/2008)
Usually I don't like big trucks and SUVs but this is awesome, looks like real fun :)
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JDMlover 1:55PM (11/14/2008)
Jesus thats one UGLY truck....worst front end i have ever seen....how can u even call that good looking...
The Tundra and Ram look much better....gesh
Only a mother could love the looks of this thing....and i mean THING.
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Yaroukh 2:00PM (11/14/2008)
and no one cares