Autoblog

How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality

Michael Harley — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Videos, Ford, Off-Road

The camouflaged Ford F-150 SVT Raptor prototype captured above blazing its way across the desert during a test run left company engineers giggling in amazement, reveals Jamal Hameedi in a new Autoweek video. Ford's global performance vehicle chief engineer, accompanied by senior exterior designer Bruce Williams, sat down with the publication to discuss the concept and development of the automaker's super off-road F-150.

Designing a high-performance pickup in 2008, right when the cost of gasoline was going through the roof, seemed insane at the time, but the team pushed forward with the innovative vehicle regardless. The interview includes plenty of Ford B-roll footage as visual candy, and the conversations include discussions about exterior design, ride comfort, anti-lock brake tuning, suspension engineering, weight reduction and why it was necessary to make the Raptor visually different than Ford's standard F-150. The model's origin story is very interesting, and you can learn more about it by watching the video below.

Continue reading How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality

How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand

Michael Harley — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

Shelby American unveiled its all-new Shelby Raptor at the New York Auto Show last month, saying that it would build just 100 examples of its off-road bad boy, a pickup priced at $17,995 over the cost of the donor Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. But the Las Vegas outfit apparently underestimated just how popular the supercharged 575-horsepower 4x4 would actually be.

Strong early demand reportedly has Shelby singing a whole new tune, as the company is now saying it will build upwards of 500 units annually. While the increased production will likely make for at least 400 more happy owners, those who were on the original short list - possibly speculating on future values - might not be grinning as much. Needless to say, the company has assured everyone that each and every one of the modified Raptors will still be listed in the official Shelby registry.

Keep in mind that Ford isn't sitting idle on its trophy-truck-for-the-street, either. The company will reveal its own 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition this month.

Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

Shelby American has definitely proven itself when it comes to tuning the Ford Mustang - look no further than its new 1,200-horsepower Shelby 1000 - but now the Las Vegas tuner has turned to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

The big change for this already high-performance off-road pickup is the addition of a supercharger atop Ford's 6.2-liter V8, with spent gasses exiting through a Borla exhaust system. This improves the horsepower rating from a stock rating of 411 up to a shenanigan-ready 575. For a Shelby, the styling of this F-150 is very toned down, with only the company's name etched into the Raptor's digital mud to go along with custom wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires.

The company is only planning to build 100 of the Shelby Raptors per year, with pricing set at $17,995 on top of the stock donor Ford, which starts at $43,630. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath

Shelby Raptor is a 575-horsepower off-road goliath originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercrew

Michael Harley — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

I'm not normally a pickup kind of guy, but the 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor won me over nearly instantly. The street-legal trophy truck - there is really no other way to accurately describe it - is big, brawny and incredibly capable. Let's just say it's every bit the monster it visually portrays. I spent a week pretending I was one of Ford's Baja 1000 drivers, but lacking desert sand, I headed into the local mountains where a mild winter storm had dropped a couple inches of fresh snow on my favorite off-road park. The Ford was, for the most part, practically unstoppable.

Ford offers its SVT Raptor package on Supercab and Supercrew platforms with the five-foot, five-inch bed. The Supercrew I tested rides on a 144-inch wheelbase (about a foot longer than the Supercab). In addition to its cosmetic differences when compared to the standard F-150 - there isn't a young boy on the planet who doesn't think the matte black Ford grille is cool - the Raptor has a 73.6-inch track - nearly seven inches wider than the track on the standard F-150.

After upgrading the F-150 SVT Raptor significantly for the 2012 model year, there are only a few changes for 2013. The list includes standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, Hill Descent Control, forged beadlock-capable wheels, and the new matte Terrain color (aka "Desert Storm") option seen on my test model.

Driving Notes

The SVT Raptor grabs plenty of attention whether driving through a grocery store parking lot or bounding down the highway. Physically massive, it is amusing to watch other drivers move out of its way - nobody even considered cutting me off. Opinions were split on the new Terrain color. People either liked it or hated it. I liked it, as it hid dirt impressively well and it was a nice contrast to the trim and optional graphics without being overly loud like the Race Red or Blue Flame.
Nobody will question the power coming from the big-bore 6.2-liter V8. Its exhaust note is frightening, but so is its fuel consumption. I missed the EPA's ratings by a long shot, never seeing double digits around town. In fact, I found it challenging to hit 13 miles per gallon on the open highway. The six-speed transmission is sturdy and only about average when it comes to smoothness, though it never skipped a beat.
The commanding view, comfortable seats, spacious cab and kitchen-like storage space made the Supercrew very popular with passengers. The additional row of three-passenger seating, easily accessible through the second set of full-size doors, seemed to provide more legroom than an airport shuttle Lincoln Town Car. I found the backup camera a lifesaver, as I often had no idea what those LT315/70R17 All-Terrain tires were rolling over. The Raptor needs an all-around camera system (and, why can't the excellent front-facing camera work during parking maneuvers?)
Off-road, the Raptor was plush. Triple-bypass Fox Racing Shox, aluminum front suspension arms and generous wheel travel turned washboard surfaces smooth and absorbed impacts with aplomb. I never tried to jump 90 feet, but I did fly over several big berms at the wrong speed. I'd hold my breath, waiting for the suspension to crash into its bump stops - but the undercarriage absorbed the impact as if we were dropping into a down pillow. While its wide track improves stability at speed, its broad shoulders did keep the SVT off several of the narrower trails that I had enjoyed previously in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (the Ford is a full foot wider).
Wet snow over deep sticky mud is challenging to any 4x4, even the Raptor. Following snow-covered trails, I tried to keep it in two-wheel drive as long as possible. The truck nearly bogged-down a few times, but it was never something the electronic locking rear differential and the Torsen front differential couldn't get me out of. Rain-sensing wipers, not available on the Raptor, would have helped keep the muck off the front windshield and allowed me to keep both hands on the wheel when splashing around.
On-road, the ride wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected it to be. There was a constant background noise from the tread blocks and the occasional shutter over uneven pavement, but the ride was never choppy or harsh. In fact, after a few days my sports-car-tuned equilibrium found the Raptor more than enjoyable in the handling department too. Yes, I could live with this big truck every single day. I'm even quite sure that I would eventually learn how to park it without placing one of its rear wheels on the curb!

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercrew originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford SVT Raptor commanding 300% of US MSRP on China's gray market

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Truck, China, Ford, Off-Road

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has plenty of fans all around the world, but the desert-beating pickup is perhaps most popular where it can't be had at all: in China. The Detroit News reports gray market buyers in the Asian country are snapping up the trucks at the equivalent of $160,000, or nearly three times the MSRP here in the States. Analysts credit the boom to shifting consumer perceptions. Chinese buyers have typically view pickups as utilitarian tools instead of lifestyle purchases, but that's changing. The Detroit News reports buyers in China are showing more interest in specialty vehicles like the SVT Raptor.

Vehicles like those from General Motors' Hummer family laid the groundwork ten years ago, and when the Raptor bowed in 2010, Chinese enthusiasm for the truck exploded on the internet. Importers are so keen to demand for the pickups that they've imported too many - prices are just now beginning to fall from their lofty heights. China has no laws against importing vehicles, though prohibitive taxes discourage all but the nation's wealthiest individuals from shipping in foreign models.

Ford SVT Raptor commanding 300% of US MSRP on China's gray market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford announces SVT Raptor off-road school

Zach Bowman — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

Ford is giving F-150 SVT Raptor owners and fans a chance to get better acquainted with the vehicle's capabilities. The Ford Racing Raptor Assault program puts drivers behind the wheel of the factory off-roader at Miller Motorsprots Park. The course includes eight acres of rock crawling, a 22-acre, high-speed off-road course and a 900-acre desert course. Instructors will work with drivers with varying skill levels for a unique experience. Participants can take part in a hot lap ride-along program or a three-hour Raptor Assault Experience that includes driving in both the rock crawling and off road courses as well as hot laps with a pro driver. A one-day school is also available.

Raptor owners will get special discounted pricing, which is a good thing given that prices range from $300 for the three-hour tour to $1,395 for the full day. Maybe there's a chance the school will help keep Raptor owners from carrying too much speed for their obstacles and breaking their trucks. You can head over to RaptorAssault.com for more information or check out the press release below.

Continue reading Ford announces SVT Raptor off-road school

Ford announces SVT Raptor off-road school originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road, Ram

The crew at PickupTrucks.com has been busy lately. In addition to wrapping up its global pickup shootout in Australia, the site also took the time to pit four factory off-road kings against each other. After extending invitations to every manufacturer to send out their most capable pickup, the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, Toyota Tacoma Baja, Ram Power Wagon and Ford F-150 SVT Raptor all showed up to play. General Motors, meanwhile, declined to join the party.

Each of the participants threw down in a total of 10 events with separate scoring, including old standbys like 0-60, 60-0, payload capacity and fuel economy. But Pickuptrucks.com also partnered up with 4Wheeler Magazine to put the bruisers through some legitimate off-road tests. Each pickup took on a tough sand hill climb as well as a stair climb and a rock scramble.

While we weren't surprised to see the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor take top honors, we were shocked to see where the Power Wagon wound up on the list. How'd the big Mopar place? You'll have to scroll down to watch the video wrap-up. After that, head on over to PickupTrucks.com to read the full comparison.

Continue reading PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge

PickupTrucks.com holds Ultimate 4x4 Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor goes beige brilliantly

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Ford, Off-Road

We got an in-person look at the new 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at a Ford event yesterday, and we have to say that Ford's stock photography does not do this new "Terrain" color justice. Neither do these pictures, really, but Ford wouldn't let us find somewhere more suitable to photograph their updated SVT truck.

Terrain is a sandy beige hue with a flat finish. It's not matte, but this paint certainly isn't reflective by modern standards. In fact, it's quite reminiscent of those wonderful old lacquer finishes from the '30s and '40s. (We can imagine a Ford Model A Business Coupe coming in the same color.) That's not a pejorative, as the SVT Raptor looks great in this decidedly industrial beige tone. Something about the Raptor's outlandish looks just works with the understated color.

We've also netted some more details about the new beadlock-capable wheels. Underneath those 12-bolt cosmetic trim rings are 24 holes, already tapped for the Ford Racing beadlock ring. Owners just have to buy the beadlock kit from their dealer to convert them. The wheels themselves are forged aluminum and officials tell us this convertible system is an industry first which it aims to patent.

Check out all the high-res images of the 2013 SVT Raptor in our gallery.

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor goes beige brilliantly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford SVT Raptor gets beadlock wheels, HIDs for 2013

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

In addition to the standard and new Limited models, Ford's freshening of the 2013 F-150 has extended to the no-job-too-big SVT Raptor, as well. Look closely and you'll see the new (optional) high-intensity discharge headlamps, the special beadlock wheels available through Ford Racing and the brand-new exterior color, called Terrain. (No, not that Terrain.)

About those wheels: Ford Racing will offer a beadlock ring kit as an option to SVT Raptor buyers. For serious off-roaders, this type of wheel is immensely helpful when the going gets rough. As Ford puts it:

Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

The Raptor's interior gets a slight tweak for 2013, as well, with the addition of a 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen in the instrument cluster that's paired with the automaker's MyFord Touch infotainment system, still housed in the eight-inch screen on the center console. The powertrain has remained the same, but that's just fine - we're perfectly happy with the 6.2-liter V8, pumping out 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.

Scroll down for the full details in the press blast.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor gets beadlock wheels, HIDs for 2013

Ford SVT Raptor gets beadlock wheels, HIDs for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments