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Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

As we head into the final weeks of yet another year, that means it's time for everyone to pick out their favorites. In this business that means its time to select cars, trucks and SUVs of the year. Over at Popular Mechanics, the editors have put together a list of vehicles that they feel exemplify excellence based on a number of characteristics. For example, the list opens up with what they consider the most off-road capable - a likely easy choice this year with the launch of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

The technical innovation prize went to the new Remote Touch System that appeared in the Lexus HS 250h and RX this year. This joystick control provides haptic feedback when the cursor hits a selection button on the screen. As a result it's not as fiddly as a conventional joystick might be, allowing the driver to keep more attention on the road. Check out the full list of automotive excellence at Popular Mechanics's web site.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

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

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gets suspension explained by IL

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST

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

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor under the skin - Click above for high-res image gallery

In stock form, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is one of the most impressive bits of machinery available from any automaker extant. We've managed to snag some seat time in one a couple of times now, and each time we've walked away mightily impressed. But just what is it that makes the off-road-ready supertruck so good? It's not the powertrain, it's the suspension.

While we've offered a basic walkaround of what makes the Raptor tick, the chaps at Inside Line took it upon themselves to delve a bit deeper into the mystery of the truck's cushy pogo sticks. Chief among the updates that turn an ordinary mild-mannered F-150 into a fire-breathing desert runner are the beautiful cast aluminum lower control arms and the special inverted Fox Racing Shocks with remote reservoirs.

Also worth noting are the 13.8-inch ventilated brake rotors with dual-piston sliding calipers and the beefy 17-inch wheels wrapped in LT315/70R17 All-Terrain tires from BFGoodrich. Add it all up and you've got yourself $38,995 worth of eminently capable pickup goodness - and a hearty "attaboy" for Ford's SVT engineers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Inside Line]

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gets suspension explained by IL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, First Drive, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although some of us have an unabashed love for all-things off-road, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor didn't register a huge blip on our collective radar. We figured it would be a performance kit that was much more kit than performance, or an off-road wunderkind that makes life a Hobbesian kind of brutish when used anywhere but the moon. We spent two days in Southern California, one of which in the Raptor's Anza Borrego Desert birthplace, to discover one thing: We were wrong. The Raptor is all that. And a bag of chips. And dessert.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

All photos copyright Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough

First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The More, the Merrier: Ford considering crew cab Raptor?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Packing more badass than a gang of werewolf bikers on mescaline, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor does not require you to be a truck guy to appreciate its purpose. The bold styling, mile-high suspension and big V8 engine under the hood ensure the Raptor stands apart from the rest of the pick-up crowd. But now our man Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com reports that Ford could be considering extending the Raptor's passenger compartment to give it a full four-door crew cab.

The news comes right from the mouth of F-150 marketing manager Mark Grueber, who revealed to Levine that FoMoCo has already received more than 1,000 orders for the new Raptor, but that they've come accompanied by requests from customers for a full crew-cab with four full-sized doors. The increased wheelbase would undoubtedly compromise the vehicle's off-road performance, but is Ford about to tell that to customers waiving fistfuls of cash? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

The More, the Merrier: Ford considering crew cab Raptor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:32:00 EST

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

Raptor: Born in Baja documentary -- Click above after the jump

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has just finished its close-up, and pretty soon you'll be able to see it on both the big screen in "Raptor - Born in Baja". The Blue Oval took its factory-built off-road runner to the Baja 1000 last year and documented the entire build and the race. The documentary is like Truth in 24, but with trucks and lots of dirt, and the Raptor only finished third in its Class 8 division (full-sized 2-wheel-drive), but that's not bad for a team that had only three months to complete the build.

The movie will premiere in Hollywood on June 23 at the Egyptian Theater, and then air on Speed TV a few weeks later. For now, you can check out the trailer after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary

VIDEO: Ford releases trailer for "Raptor: Born in Baja" feature documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995

John Neff — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:08:00 EST

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

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com is currently embedded in an F-150 SVT Raptor R with the Ford Racing Team at the "Terrible 250" in Primm, Nevada. Being that close to the action, Levine has managed to wrest some hard info about the upcoming production SVT Raptor from Ford. The off road-ready half-ton will start at just $38,995, which may sound like a lot until you consider this desert flier will be only about $3,000 more than a well-equipped F-150 FX4. The SVT Raptor will launch with Ford's 5.4-liter V8, but soon after will be joined by the company's new 6.2-liter V8, as well. The truck certainly isn't for everyone with its huge tires, high suspension and compensating-for-something "FORD" grille, but those who do go for that kind of thing will at least not get gouged at the checkout counter.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's Mud In Your Eye: Ford Raptor gets new microsite

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Toys/Games, Off-Road

Click above for a high-res gallery of the F-150 Raptor driving simulator

Ford is looking to drum up some extra interest in its F-150 SVT Raptor off-road specialist ahead of its actual on-sale date (which is still only listed as "coming soon") with the introduction of a new dedicated microsite that you can check out here. Features on the new web destination include a place to learn what makes the Raptor different from the rest of the F-150 lineup, along with videos, a gallery and an online tool to build your own.

Still not enough to whet your appetite? According to Brian Bell, Ford's F-150 consumer marketing manager, "We want people to understand the unique capability of this truck, that it can do things that other trucks just can't." To that end, Ford has been bringing an off-road driving simulator to the assorted U.S. auto shows that we've been following over the last few months, and the Blue Oval will evidently continue doing this on through the rest of the 2009 circuit. Give it a shot, it's good fun.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor driving simulator

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Here's Mud In Your Eye: Ford Raptor gets new microsite

Here's Mud In Your Eye: Ford Raptor gets new microsite originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2009: First Retail Production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at Barrett-Jackson

Ford's F-150 SVT Raptor isn't much like a normal truck. One look at the machine, with its copious amounts of front and rear suspension travel, super-wide stance, unique front fascia and bright orange paint quickly proves that point, but the truck on display at Barrett-Jackson last night had a few more tricks up its sleeve in order to grab some extra bids: a truckload of kids. Specifically, the Raptor's bed was full of children that stood to gain from the sale of this machine, which is the first retail production model of its kind, as all proceeds above the Raptor's MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. After the gavel fell and all associated fees were paid, the truck went for $143,000 -- likely a hefty sum over the Raptor's as-yet unannounced base price. See the official auction description after the break.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson 2009: First Retail Production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2009: First Retail Production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Barrett-Jackson 2009: First Retail Production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at Baja 1000 like a pig in mud

John Neff — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Baja

We recently told you how the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor fared competing in the Baja 1000. The Blue Oval's new super duper off-roader finished third in the Class 8 division, which is impressive considering it was built for the lower level Stock Full class in which it couldn't compete this time because the production version is not yet for sale. We've gone for a ride in the Raptor through the deserts of Nevada, but after looking through the gallery below, our experience probably wasn't as much fun as piloting the truck through 631 miles of the Baja Desert. Clearly the Raptor's first foray into competitive motorsports involved spending a lot of time with all four wheels either off the ground or in water up to its lug nuts. Check out the gallery below for more action shots of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor doing what it was designed for.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT R in Baja 1000

Pics Aplenty: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at Baja 1000 like a pig in mud originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000

Drew Phillips — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Ford

When Ford developed the F-150 SVT Raptor R, the Blue Oval wanted to make sure that it could offer the ultimate in off-road performance. We were pretty much sold after experiencing the truck in the Nevada desert, but Ford wanted to prove the Raptor's capabilities to the world. So Ford entered a modified version of the truck into the Baja 1000, confident that the race-ready Raptor could hold its own in the 631-mile competition. The SVT team entered with realistic expectations, hoping to simply finish a race that has a knack for providing unexpected challenges at every turn. Mission: accomplished. The SVT Raptor not only crossed the finish line, but it did so with flying colors by finishing third in the Class 8 division. This is especially impressive considering the Raptor is built for the lower-level Stock Full class in which it couldn't compete because the production version is not yet for sale. For more details you can check out PickupTrucks.com's live blog of the race, and we've also posted a short video of the SVT Raptor in action, along with the press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: SVT Raptor gettin' down and dirty

Drew Phillips — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

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

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor LIVE

[Source: Ford]

Pics Aplenty: SVT Raptor gettin' down and dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor explained by Mike Levine

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

Click above to view video after the jump

When it comes to all things pickup trucks, Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com is the man, bar none. He's got the first video report on the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and goes into far greater detail about the truck's special bits than we ever could. The Raptor, of course, is the latest product from the SVT crew and it's fully off-road ready. This beast is unlike the previous F-150 SVT Lightning, which blended lots of horsepower with a strictly on-road suspension set up. SVT seems to have realized that a pickup truck will never be a sports car and vice versa, so they set up the Raptor with new heavy duty suspension mounts, unique suspension arms and new Fox racing remote reservoir dampers. The SVT Raptor will be launched with the current 5.4L V8 underhood, although the 6.2L "Boss" V8 should be available as an option by the end of '09. The interior is fitted with all kinds of special bits and from the outside the Raptor will be instantly recognizable thanks to a unique grille and flared out fenders. Check out the video for yourself after the jump and our high-res galleries of the SVT Raptor below. Thanks to Sam (not me) for the tip!

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor LIVE

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor explained by Mike Levine

VIDEO: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor explained by Mike Levine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: SVT Raptor R race truck to enter Baja 1000

Drew Phillips — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

Ford is eager to prove that its new SVT Raptor is the real deal when it comes to off road capabilities, so it's developed a racing version along with the production truck that's set to compete in the grueling Baja 1000 taking place in just a few weeks. The Raptor R will use numerous stock components including the complete frame, transmission, brakes and axles. The suspension, however, has been upgraded for more travel and better approach and departure angles. The stock interior has also been replaced with race seats, a full roll cage, and the necessary equipment to properly monitor and navigate the vehicle. The 6.2L V8 powering the Raptor R is not available in the production truck... yet, and features an aggressive camshaft, modified computer mapping and exhaust headers. As an added bonus, the race program will serve as a test bed for future off-road performance parts in the Ford Racing catalog. Hit the jump for more details on Ford's new race program and our gallery of high-res photographs can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2008: SVT Raptor R race truck to enter Baja 1000

SEMA 2008: SVT Raptor R race truck to enter Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor unveiled in its natural environment

Drew Phillips — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has officially taken the wraps off its latest variant of the F-150, the 2010 SVT Raptor. Just like it did in 1993 with the SVT Lightning, Ford has paved the way for a new segment of trucks, although this time with a dedicated off-roader capable of handing both sand dunes and trips to the grocery store. Major differences between the Raptor and the standard F-150 include a unique grille and a body that is a full seven inches wider. Other design elements include functional hood extractors and a special optional graphics package.

Don't think for a second that this is a simple exterior package, however. The Raptor comes with a completely redesigned front suspension utilizing new upper and lower A arms, upgraded tie rods, new half shaft joints, and shocks from Fox Racing. In total, the front suspension has a full 11.2 inches of travel and 13.4 inches in the rear. BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires with a unique rubber compound provide a compromise of off-road capability and on-road civility. Power comes from the tried and true 5.4L Triton V8 pumping out 320 horsepower and 390 lb-ft torque, although Ford's new 6.2L V8 will be available at a later date.

While the Raptor will be on the show floor tomorrow at SEMA, we were fortunate enough to get an early peek today including a ride across the Nevada desert outside Las Vegas. We can truly say we were immensely impressed with the Raptor's off-road capabilities and, like everyone else who got a ride, exited the passenger seat with a huge smile. We usually think of sports cars as being the best vehicles to get our adrenaline going, but skimming over the desert at high speeds apparently does it just as well. Full details of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor are in the press release after the jump, and plenty of our own high-resolution pictures, as well as Ford's, can be found in the galleries below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor LIVE

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor unveiled in its natural environment

SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor unveiled in its natural environment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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