Autoblog

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance

Drew Phillips — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST

Today marks 20 years since Ford first announced its Special Vehicle Team, most famously known as SVT. With performance mastermind John Coletti at the helm, SVT produced some legendary cars during its first 10 years, beginning with the 1993 SVT Cobra (and its even more hardcore sibling the SVT Cobra R), as well as the 2003 F-150 SVT Lightning. Since then we've had numerous updates to each, most notably the SVT Cobra of 2003-2004 lovingly referred to by Mustang fans as the "Terminator," plus new models like the SVT Contour and SVT Focus built from 2002-2004.

Today SVT is alive and well with a lineup consisting of the Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, and we're guessing that back in 1993 no one could have imagined just how far the brand has come. A 650-horsepower Mustang capable of 200 miles per hour or a Ford F-150 capable of running the Baja 1000 in nearly stock form would have seemed insane at the time. And it still does today.

Have a look at some of the vehicles produced by SVT over the past 20 years in the gallery above, and let us know what you think might come from Ford's performance division in the next 20 years in the comments section below.

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST

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

We recently went off the beaten path with a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Moab, Utah to test the 2012 model's improved off-road chops. While Editor Paukert's tale of the experience certainly gets the point across, there's nothing quite like watching Ford's monster tackle the rocks and dirt in high-definition video, especially video that was taken by a hovering camera-equipped drone.

While the Raptor is best known for its desert-storming, dune-jumping prowess (we ourselves have greatly enjoyed getting all four wheels off the ground), what's truly amazing is watching a vehicle this big tackle some of Moab's toughest obstacles at a snail's pace. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Chris Paukert — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST

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

Exhilaration At 1 MPH

When thinking about the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, one tends to picture an orange meteor barreling across the desert at absurd velocities, flying through the air, long-travel suspension dangling its dirty bits below. That's partially because desert storming and bombing down muddy, root-strewn fire roads was the Special Vehicle Team's design brief, and partially because those environs have dominated Ford's advertising efforts. Marketing shtick aside, there's little doubt that the Raptor has that Kool-Aid Man "Oooh, Yeah!" wall-crashing thing going on better than any other vehicle on sale today.

In fact, if you tend to picture the Raptor exclusively in terms of yumps and dry creekbeds, you're not alone. Ford and SVT kind of admit they did, too. But in building this street-legal trophy truck, they've come to realize that they unwittingly created a vehicle that's far more versatile than originally envisioned. Case in point: Back in 2009, a massive snowstorm crippled the ability of Ford staffers and media members trying to reach the Chicago Auto Show. In particular, Mark Fields and other key execs had to journey from Dearborn to the Windy City, and company pilots refused to take off in the horrible weather. Fields and some other executives settled on boarding the train, arriving haggard eight hours later and barely making their press conference. SVT boss Jamal Hameedi and his crew elected to travel by Raptor. Driving their trucks through inches of thick slush and ice in the fast lane at more-or-less normal highway speeds (while what little traffic was sharing the road crawled along with hazard lights aglow) was a revelation. Despite building the thing, Team SVT simply didn't expect something with wide, knobby tires and a higher center of gravity to cut through the frigid slurry like that.

It's exactly this sort of discovery process that led us to the foot of the smoothly picturesque red rocks seen here. We had arrived in a convoy of eight 2012 Raptors, having taken the easy hour's drive from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah to tackle Hell's Revenge, a well-known 4x4 trail over this otherworldly terrain that doesn't take kindly to larger vehicles like our full-size SuperCab pickups. Solid bets for tackling Hell's Revenge include Jeep CJs and Wranglers, Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4s and so on - vehicles with exceptional approach, departure and breakover angles. Even with its raised suspension and ground clearance of 11.2 inches front and 12.1 rear, we couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish about the Raptor's chances.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raceworks Ford Raptor Luxury Prerunner

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Truck, Ford, Specialty, Racing

As a bone-stock machine, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is an impressive piece of engineering, but that doesn't mean that the platform can't be improved upon. The crew from Stewart's Race Works has turned its fabricating skills toward creating a luxury prerunner version of he go-anywhere pickup, and the result is nothing short of astounding. With a massive 90-inch track width and suitably epic amounts of wheel travel, this Raptor is filled with custom, one-off parts. The front suspension boasts 26-inches of travel while the rear flexes out at around 31 inches thanks in part to billet aluminum A-arms up front and a set of Fox Racing 4.0 external bypass shocks and three-inch coil springs.

A 600-horsepower Patton racing engine resides under the custom hood and is bolted to a built 4L80 automatic transmission. Though two-wheel drive, the truck features a four-link suspension in the rear for the most travel possible.

Inside, the cabin is fitted with GPS, and MP3/iPod capable audio system, six-way power adjustable seats and more electronic goodies. We want one.

Raceworks Ford Raptor Luxury Prerunner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Design/Style, Off-Road

It's no secret that we're big fans of the Ford Raptor pickup. After all, there aren't many vehicles you can drive straight off the showroom floor, over and through harsh desert terrain at high speed and then back again. But Ford decided its off-road-ready truck needed a few updates for the 2012 model year.

While the 2011 Raptor was quite adept at handling varied terrain, from rutted washboard surfaces to the occasional jump (within reason...), it's four-wheel-drive system wasn't really designed with hardcore rock climbing in mind. For the new model year, though, Ford's extreme pickup gets a new Torsen front differential that features a helical gearset that promises to send torque to whichever front wheel has the most traction.

Another intriguing update for '12 is a front-mounted camera that can be ordered alongside the navigation system. This feature ought to help the driver figure out where best to steer the truck's front wheels so as to avoid otherwise unseen obstacles. The eight-inch screen in the center of the dash will be used to display what the camera sees at speeds of 15 miles per hour or less. Oh, and there's a dedicated washer for the camera to help keep it clean.

Besides those functional upgrades, the 2012 Raptor also gets a new optional side graphic that sports two diagonal stripes and is accented in matte, gloss and textured black. On the inside, a matte anodized blue treatment is now available on every color but Race Red (also new for '12). Rounding out the notable changes are optional cooled seats and new Euroflange wheels that keep their weights on the inside for better protection from off-road hazards.

Check out our high-res image gallery to see it all for yourself, and feel free to read the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Etc., Videos, Ford, Middle East

The United Arab Emirates is a land that continually breathes new life into the phrase "More money than sense." The new prime example of this is a custom-built Ford SVT Raptor that believes the prime number of doors is six. Said to hail from the UAE, it's quite clear that anything goes in the Land Of The Burning ~~Dollar Sign~~ Sun.

We're not going to completely hate on this thing, of course, as the idea of a six-door Raptor puts visions of a seriously great camping trip in mind. Still, we're not even sure if this thing is actually real or if someone with solid skills spent too much time playing around on their computer. Judge for yourself by clicking past the jump and watching the video.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE

Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #240

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

2012 Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Cruze diesel, bending Ford SVT Raptor frames

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #240 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Executive Editor Chris Paukert hold down the fort. We start with the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept and spend a while talking about its sharp new styling before moving on to ponder what the now-confirmed Chevrolet Cruze diesel means for fuel economy and fun when behind the wheel. Our last news topic is bending frames on some Ford SVT Raptor pickups before we move on to your feedback. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #240:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 BMW X3
2011 Mazda RX-8 GT
2011 Kia Forte SX
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:15:44

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #240

Autoblog Podcast #240 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Safety, Ford, Off-Road

Over the last several weeks, there have been a number of reports on web forums of frame damage incidents involving the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Thanks to a number of reader tips, Autoblog was the first news outlet to inquire with Ford about the matter. After launching its own investigation into the claims centering around one particular organized Raptor Run in Nevada with 14 participating vehicles and 10 bent frames, Jamal Hameedi, a 20-year Ford veteran and SVT's Chief Nameplate Engineer, agreed to talk exclusively with Autoblog.

AB: When did you first become aware of these Raptor frame claims?

Hameedi: We monitor all the blogs - I think there are three or four different versions of Raptor online forums. We saw that there was one particular run where several Raptors bent their frames on the same obstacle.

AB: How many Raptors have been reported with frame damage?

Hameedi: We have four nationwide since the beginning of production.

AB: It sounded like there were more than four vehicles damaged in this individual run alone - are these not included in that total?

Hameedi: I think we've been reading that there are ten trucks in question [in that run].

"We have a pretty firm understanding of what's going on."

Jamal Hameedi, SVT Chief Nameplate Engineer

AB: So the four trucks you mentioned - those are just the ones that have been directly reported to Ford dealers?

Hameedi: Yes.

AB: Have they all been bent in more-or-less in the same way?

Hameedi: The ones on the run, I think there are varying degrees of how [badly] they are tweaked, but generally we have a pretty firm understanding of what's going on.

Continue reading SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video]

SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Off-Road

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II Short Cuts video - Click above to watch after the jump

The Ram Runner Stage II kit makes for one very impressive Ram 1500. Performance modifications like beefed-up control arms, Fox shocks and 14 inches of wheel travel make us want to pit the modified Ram against the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in a high-speed dirt race to the ~~death~~ finish line.

We're not the only ones eager to compare the Ram Runner Stage II to the Raptor. Follow the jump to watch an Autoblog Short Cuts video of Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, as he explained to us why Chrysler believes the Ram Runner is better than the Raptor. In fact, Sassorossi brings up the Raptor no less than four times, and throws in "best in class" for the Ram Runner's specs another another four times.

This will be a thrilling battle when Ford's ready-made race truck gets pitted against Ram's D.I.Y. wonder. To see what we mean, watch the video and then answer our poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?

Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Ford, South America, Off-Road, Racing

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at the 2011 Dakar Rally - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is still proving that it can do whatever deed needs done, whenever it needs doing. Sue Mead and Darren Skilton managed to pilot a largely stock version of the desert-raiding pickup through all 12 stages of this year's Dakar rally. The team survived 16 days of some of the most brutal terrain on the South American continent and covered over 11,800 miles in the process. Their effort was enough to net the Raptor a 40th place finish over all and a first place finish in the OP class.

In fact, from what we hear, Mead and Skilton were the only contestants to even finish in the OP class, even with big names like Robbie Gordon gunning for the win.

That marks the first time that an American crew has ever managed to take a class win in the history of the Dakar Rally. The F-150 SVT Raptor that Mead and Skilton campaigned boasted the same 5.4-liter V8 that it rolled off the production line with, though a larger cooling system was fitted to handle the harsh temperatures of the course. Likewise, the pickup was equipped with a host of other race-capable bits including a new locker system for the differentials, more robust shocks, springs and tires.

Overall, Volkswagen took the top three spots in the 2011 Dakar Rally. BMW filled out the remaining spots in the top five with its entries. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2011 Dakar Rally

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally

Journalist Sue Mead, racer Darren Skilton become first U.S. team to win a class in Dakar Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

Frequent Flying In Ford's Factory Baja Blaster

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A scant 30 minutes had passed after taking possession of this 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor until we had all four of its wheels off the ground. We'd have done the deed even sooner, but our destination - a Baja-style test track in the middle of the desert outside Phoenix, Arizona - was, understandably, far enough out of town that no locals would be able to complain of excessive noise or mini dust tornadoes encroaching on their own tracts of brush-filled paradise.

After all, the modern conveniences of day-to-day life just don't mix with such uncivilized activities as seeing how much air you can put between your truck's skid plates and solid ground.

And therein lies the beauty of this particular beast. Since when did such niceties as in-dash navigation with voice-activated SYNC, a leather interior with heated seats, dual-zone climate control and satellite radio count as standard equipment in a truck that was built primarily for 100-mile-per-hour blasts through the desert?

Since late 2009, actually, when FoMoCo unleashed the first version of the F-150 SVT Raptor on an unsuspecting public. Unlike all previous products from Ford's Specialty Vehicle Team, including the F-150-based SVT Lightning, this truck does its best work once the pavement ends and the really nasty stuff begins.

It's no secret that we've loved the Raptor ever since our first experience behind the wheel, and now it's better than ever before. How so? Keep reading to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2: Review

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2

Review: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to start at $44,315*

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

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

Ready to go stompin' around with your friends in a Baja-blastin' Ford SVT Raptor, but don't know how much you'll need to plunk down for the new-for-2011 four-door SuperCrew? Grab your pen and your checkbook, then write down 4-4-3-1-5.

Pricing has just been announced for the newly expanded range. The MSRP on the roomier four-door SuperCrew is priced at $44,315 while the shorter extended-cab Raptor SuperCab will cost a bit less at $41,550. (*In either case, destination and delivery charges will add a further $975 to the bottom line.)

Both 2011 Raptors are now powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that's rated at 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. The less powerful 5.4-liter unit found on last year's model is no longer available.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to start at $44,315* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford's off-road beast, the F-150 SVT Raptor, has only been on sale for a year, but it's already getting a few upgrades for the 2011 model year.

Many reports and a few spy shots indicated that Ford had been prepping a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor (you know, for when the family wants to do the Baja run with you), and the automaker has officially confirmed the details (again). The SuperCrew's wheelbase is a full 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor, meaning it should provide a more comfortable ride along the way, and the 5.5-foot box can still haul everything you need when you get there.

Speaking of capability, all Raptors now come standard with more power on tap - the 6.2-liter V8 will be the only available powertrain for 2011 (sad trombone for the people who rushed out to get the 5.4). As we reported earlier, it stands to reason that the 2011 Raptor will get a price increase to account for the larger mill, but it's a small price to pay for an extra 101 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque over the 5.4-liter V8.

From there, the other enhancements for 2011 are purely cosmetic. Raptors can now be had in a new color - Ingot Silver Metallic (pictured) - and matte black accent graphics are available on the hood. These new graphics can be ordered separately from the box side decals, too. Inside the cabin, Ford now offers a standard 4.2-inch LCD display (called the "productivity screen") in the center of the revised instrument gauges, similar to what was introduced on the 2011 Super Duty.

Dealers will start taking orders for 2011 Raptors as you read this with the first examples hitting dealerships later this year. Ford's detailed press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Ford, Off-Road

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor serves and protects

Aside from the recent dust-up over immigration law in Arizona, we've heard very little about America's efforts on border patrol lately. Where once we heard all about fences, militia parties and night-vision, now the collective media consciousness is focused elsewhere. That doesn't mean that the challenges facing border patrol have exactly evaporated, of course. The men and women charged with keeping an eye on the line between the U.S. and Mexico still face mile upon mile of some of the most grueling terrain on the planet, which is exactly why the Yuma Sheriff went ahead and ordered up a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor before the official government-issue fleet arrives.

Automobile Magazine's Eszra Dyer decided to tag along with Major Leon Wilmot to see how the truck handles itself in an official capacity and just what this border patrol business is all about. As it turns out, the majority of the operation is concerned with large expanses of sand, moon dust, non-exploded ordinance and the cleverness of a people who want nothing more to outwit American law enforcement. If you've got a hot second, click over to Automobile for a quick read.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Automobile checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

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

Autoblog reader Geo happened to be cruising on I-275 in Detroit last week when he was passed by a convoy of Ford F-150 pickups. Snugged smack dab in the middle was none other than the upcoming F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew without a stitch of camouflage to cover those two extra doors. Geo did what any good enterprising AB reader would do and clicked a couple of photos as the desert-crushing truck blew by.

The prototype in the photos has ditched the outlandish graphics of its shorter brother, but it still looks just as mean, and it's even slathered in silver paint, a color that isn't currently available. If the badge on the fender is any indication, this particular example packs the same 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 mill we were fortunate enough to sample not too long ago, which means it should have no problem jumping over hill and dale. If ever there was a backyard party on four wheels, this is it.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly

Rex Roy — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:57:00 EST

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

2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Unless you're a died-in-the-burlap save-the-planet kind of person, you probably think the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor is freakin' cool. There's not a factory truck on the planet that can wing across the desert floor with equal ease, grace and unmitigated speed.

The 2010 Raptor genuinely has no competition In the world of production trucks, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved. If you bent the ear of the right Ford engineer, he would admit that the 2010 SVT Raptor was supposed to launch with the 6.2-liter SOHC V8 we're testing today. The aging 310-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton mill included at launch was never the perfect fit for the radical Raptor. Too tame.

From the truck's introduction last Fall, everyone knew the all-new iron-block/aluminum-head 6.2-liter engine would be better. But no one knew how much better until now. Read about our wild test drive (and brief flight) after the ummm... jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly

First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms Raptor SuperCrew, only available with 6.2-liter V8

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

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

Not too long ago, the rumormill was buzzing about the possibility of Ford offering a SuperCrew version of the brutal F-150 SVT Raptor, adding four-door versatility to the already awesome prowess of the automaker's latest pickup. Now, Inside Line reports that Ford has confirmed production of the more spacious Raptor for the 2011 model year.

IL also states that Ford will only offer the SuperCrew Raptor with the top-rung 6.2-liter V8, which produces a healthy 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Need to get the family across the desert in a hurry? This is the truck you'll want to opt for. We'll wait for the official word from Ford before we discuss pricing, but expect the SuperCrew model to ring in just above the standard 6.2-liter Raptor's base price of $41,995.

Ram Power Wagon, prepare to meet your match.

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

[Source: Inside Line]

Ford confirms Raptor SuperCrew, only available with 6.2-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST

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

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 gets dyno'd - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 6.2-liter V8-powered Ford F-150 SVT Raptor went on sale less than two weeks ago and Ford tells us that it already has 3,000 orders signed, sealed and awaiting delivery. While that would spell disaster for the Blue Oval if we were talking about the run-of-the-mill F-150, we're talking about a purpose-built performance truck brandishing Fox shocks and massive 35-inch tires. Given the vehicle's niche audience, those kind of early sales numbers have Ford officials pretty excited. Make no mistake, the reason for all that interest has everything to do with the extra 91 horsepower under the Raptor's beefy hood, and the folks at Hennessey dyno'd the Little Mule to see just how much power transfers to those massive rear wheels. If you're wondering why Hennessey is interested in the Raptor, remember that the super tuner announced the 500 horsepower VelociRaptor back in February.

The post-jump video shows that, on the Hennessey dyno, the Raptor managed 326 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that the 326 ponies are measured at the rear wheels, where drivetrain losses zap power. Ford quotes 411 hp and 434 lb-ft at the flywheel, which means the vehicle Hennessey dyno'd experienced a 19.5 percent loss from the flywheel to the rear wheels. Hit the jump to watch the video, which includes a zero-to-60 time of less than eight seconds.

Gallery: Hennessey VelociRaptor 500

[Source: Hennessey via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno

Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:27:00 EST

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

KBB spends time aloft in the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above to watch video after the jump

Do we even need to say again that we love the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor? No? All right. But we do. Anyway, if we can't be actually driving the thing, what we'll take after that is someone else properly driving it and getting high-def video, especially if said footage involves jumps.

The folks at Kelley Blue Book have filmed just such a video, in which it offers nine suggestions of the things you should definitely do in one, and while our favorite is jumping, we wouldn't mind trying out Tip #6: Drive it like we're being chased by murderous robots. Since that one will probably come true. Rather soon. And we could use some practice. Follow the jump for the vid.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor

Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford adding SuperCrew to SVT Raptor lineup

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST

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

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

Ford's desert-clobbering SVT Raptor is already off to a relatively good start, and things are only poised to get better now that the automaker has shoehorned its new 6.2-liter V8 under the truck's hood. Adding to that, the folks at InsideLine report that a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor is also in the cards, possibly slated to debut later this year.

IL states that mules of what appear to be a SuperCrew Raptor have been spotted near Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. When prompted for a response, a spokesperson for the automaker simply said, "We do not comment on future product." (We've heard that one a thousand times before.) Still, we don't dispute IL's predictions, and having four-door functionality only boosts the Raptor's attractiveness to potential consumers.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Ford adding SuperCrew to SVT Raptor lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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