Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Ford SVT Raptor even more appealing with 6.2-liter V8

Drew Phillips — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford SVT Raptor with 6.2-liter V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Ford had only offered the 5.4-liter V8 in the SVT Raptor and called it a day, we doubt anyone would have complained. Just the fact that the Blue Oval even had the guts to build such a vehicle deserves applause. But they didn't. The 2009 SEMA Show saw the introduction of Ford's 6.2-liter V8 in the most capable off-roading production truck ever built.

The larger powerplant offers increased performance - 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft torque to be exact - while matching the fuel economy of the lower displacement V8. Ford claims that the 6.2 will propel the Raptor about a second and a half faster to 60 mph, putting it in in the low seven second range. We doubt many owners will take their Raptors to the drag strip, but the extra power will surely be useful in gaining more speed for going off jumps.

The price increase is relatively reasonable - just $3,000 more - putting the starting MSRP at $41,995. Hit the jump for the press release or check out our gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2L

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Ford SVT Raptor even more appealing with 6.2-liter V8

SEMA 2009: Ford SVT Raptor even more appealing with 6.2-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST

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

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

When Ford first revealed the new F-150 SVT Raptor a year ago, the initial powerplant was the same 5.4-liter V8 found in more pedestrian F-series trucks. At the launch, however, Ford officials promised that an all-new 6.2-liter V8 would become available right about ... now!. Well a month from now. The order books for the Raptor 6.2 officially open on December 1. Ford has already taken 3,000 orders for the 5.4-liter Raptor and 700 have gone to customers.

Last year, Ford told us the 6.2 would crank out at least 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of twist. Now that the engine has been certified and the final numbers are in, the targets have been exceeded. The 6.2-liter for the Raptor has been officially rated at 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and 434 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm.

According to F-150 Marketing Manager Mark Grueber, the Raptor 6.2 will get to 60 mph 1.5 seconds faster than the 5.4 while matching its fuel economy (as though anyone buying a Raptor will car about MPGs). That should put the 6.2 somewhere in the upper six- to low seven-range for a 0-60 mph run (Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com clocked a Raptor at 8.8 seconds with a brake torque). But take heed, with more power comes a higher MSRP: the new engine will cost $3,000 more than the carryover 5.4, starting at $41,995 delivered.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

2010 Ford F150 Raptor R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Does the idea of a $100,000 pickup truck give you heart palpitations? If so, you might want to skip over the rest of this text. For the past year Ford has been using off-road races like the Baja 500 and 1000 as real world test tracks to prove out the performance and durability of the new F-150 SVT Raptor pickup. The Raptor R that Ford has been racing is actually pretty close to the production truck, although it does have more power and suspension travel.

Now the Ford Racing crew is following in the footsteps of the various FR500 Mustangs of the last five years and offering a factory-built race truck. Called the Raptor XT, it features the same 500-hp 6.2-liter V8 found in the latest edition of the Raptor R. The Raptor XT also gets all the interior amenities of a standard road going Raptor while adding the chrome-moly roll cage and tubular bumpers of the R. The XT even gets the 15-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel travel of the race truck.

Only 50 units of the Raptor XT will be built for the 2011 model year and only the most extreme off-roaders will be willing to pay the $99,950 price tag. Like the FR500 race Mustangs, the Raptor XT is off-road only, but in this case it's really off the road.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor XT, $100K off-road race truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 0-60 pits Ford Raptor against BMW X6 M in winter issue

Chris Shunk — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Ford

Raptor vs. X6 M: Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Ford SVT Raptor and the BMW X6 M are alike in that both vehicles represent the most extreme versions of their base forms. The Raptor, with its the triple-bypass Fox shocks and 35-inch tires, is a Baja-ready version of the F-150 right off the showroom floor. Meanwhile, the BMW X6 M is the 550-horsepower speed-demon version of the mild-mannered X6 luxury crossover. The two rides have little in common other than their extreme, top-tier positioning, yet 0-60 Magazine has found a way to put the two together for its Winter 2010 issue.

We don't know what the gang at 0-60 actually did with the Raptor and the X6 M, but the magazine has managed to slap together a teaser video to whet the palette. Hit the jump to watch 0-60 have a bit of fun with the X6 M and the SVT Raptor. And if you're not a big fan of the vid, you can simply sit back and enjoy the 1:21-minute excerpt of Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" that sets the aural backdrop to the onscreen mayhem.

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

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

[Source: 0-60 Mag]

Continue reading VIDEO: 0-60 pits Ford Raptor against BMW X6 M in winter issue

VIDEO: 0-60 pits Ford Raptor against BMW X6 M in winter issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence

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

Filed under: Etc., Technology

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When gas prices spiked and automakers began focusing more attention on fuel efficient cars and crossovers, we began wondering if the pickup truck's best days were behind it. The next big blow came when domestic automakers began postponing or canceling development of light-duty diesel engines for their half-ton trucks. Then, when things were at their bleakest, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor arrived. The SVT-badged baja bruiser is one serious piece of hardware, with unique Fox struts and 35-inch rubber.

With the overwhelmingly positive reaction that the Raptor has received, we've been wondering if General Motors, Chrysler or even Toyota would follow suit with their own sand monster. After seeing a Camaro video posted by Chevrolet on YouTube, we may have evidence that it's a strong possibility.

The purpose of the video is to showcase several new Camaro graphics packages that will appear at SEMA next month, but anyone can see the pair of pics in the upper right hand corner that show a bad ass green machine dressed up in a bow tie and sporting six-spoke wheels. The hopped-up Silverado is lifted to within an inch of its life with highly flared wheel wells to corral all that rubber, but it's hard to tell if the mods are more for show than actual dune diving. Hit the jump to check out the video, and clap twice out loud if you want Chevy to take on Ford's Raptor.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome

Alex Nunez — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:48:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Specialty

2010 Ford SVT Raptor at Latemodel Restoration Supply - Click above for high-res gallery

If you read some of the model-specific buff books like Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords (raises hand), you're probably familiar with Latemodel Restoration Supply, which always has a multi-page ad in the mag touting its wares. Earlier this week, a shiny new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor visited the retailer's HQ. Photos were taken and posted to Flickr, where we saw them and decided they were definitely worth sharing. The Raptor is interesting on three levels. First off, it's a Raptor. Secondly, it's finished in Blue Flame -- a color that looks extremely good on this truck. (Frankly, we're tired of seeing the orange ones.) Finally, this particular machine rolls without the cheesy, '80s-looking factory bed-side graphics package. End result: a Raptor that's clean and mean. Clearly, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame

[Source: Latemodel Restoration Supply]

Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: U.S. Border Patrol considering Ford F150 SVT Raptor

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Work, Ford

2010 Ford F150 SVT Raptor - Click above image for high-res gallery

Very few people have ridden in Ford's upcoming Raptor; we have. And allow us to tell you what: it's astonishing. Perhaps the single most impressive production vehicle ever, even if the prototypes we rode shotgun in were only 90% complete. That good, really? Yes, truly. Imagine bounding across the Nevada desert at 100 mph (fuel cutoff) and then leaping 45 feet through the air, landing, and doing it again and again and again. That is the magic of SVT and their Raptor.

With that in mind, what government agency could make use of such a steroidal, hardcore truck? No, not FEMA. Exactly, the Border Patrol. We can think of no vehicle more suited to running down a gang of coyotes that Ford's uber-off roader. After all, the SVT Raptor was developed in the grueling deserts of Southern California and Northern Mexico, the Boarder Patrol's home turf. And with 11.2 inches of gas-shock suspension travel in the front and 13.4 inches out back, there is very little - if anything - that will slow this beast down.

The Customs and Border Protection division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reportedly wants at least ten of these monsters. Pickuptrucks.com indicates that the government's purchasing agents are requesting bare bones work interiors instead of the fancy leather and Synced up cockpits found in the consumer models. In our estimation, this change would only serve to make the Raptor even more functional and/or intimidating. No word on whether the Feds would like to go for the 5.4-liter Triton V8, or the much more powerful all-new 6.2-liter V8. Either way, keep an eye peeled if you need to make a run for the border.

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

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: U.S. Border Patrol considering Ford F150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Ford F-150 Raptor SVT storming across the desert

John Neff — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Videos, Ford

Click above to view video after the jump

A bright yellow DHL van just pulled up to Autoblog HQ and dropped off a cardboard envelope, inside of which was another brown envelope marked "CONFIDENTIAL". At this point we're thinking there are instructions inside to get out of the building before it blows up, but what we found was a CD from SVT labeled "Coming from SVT in 2009". Since we haven't heard a peep from SVT in a while, our curiosity was boiling over.

On the disc we found this video, which is embedded after the jump, of the upcoming 2009 F-150 "Raptor" SVT storming across a desert at 60 mph. The truck is still wearing camouflage so we can't see the body work, but what we can see is a very beefy suspension being punished at high speed over an uneven sun-scorched surface. The video also opens with the quote, "We'll call your off-road package, and go all in..." Who knew the SVT crew was so into off-roading? From what we hear, SVT has distributed videos to a number of outlets, each one unique and showing a different side of the new hardcore off-roader. And, though it hardly needs to be said, any rumors of the Raptor program being cancelled are quite clearly untrue. Follow the jump to view the video for yourself.

UPDATE: Second video added after the jump. (Thanks for the tip, George!)

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford F-150 Raptor SVT storming across the desert

VIDEO: Ford F-150 Raptor SVT storming across the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lightning strikes again? Ford F-150 Raptor may be branded SVT

John Neff — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of Ford F-150 "Raptor" spy shots

The rumored Ford F-150 "Raptor" high-performance off-road truck may be branded an SVT model when and if it reaches dealer showrooms. So says Sean Holman at Four Wheeler Magazine, at least. If true, this would mark the return of the SVT label being used front and center on a vehicle since John Coletti, the legendary head honcho of Ford's in-house tuning arm during its heyday, retired in 2004. Ford's Special Vehicle Team is still alive and well within the Blue Oval, having participated in developing a number of special Mustang models in recent years including the GT500, which features SVT badges all over its exterior and interior but not in its name.

Affixing the letters S-V-T to a truck will bring on inevitable comparisons to the late, great SVT Lightning F-150, which was produced for ten years between 1993 and 2003. While that high-performance truck was meant for on-road shenanigans, the "Raptor" is being developed in the vein of a Baja truck with big tires, bigger ground clearance and a big appetite for jumping things like sand dunes and rows of Foci. Production of the "Raptor" truck itself is just a rumor, however, despite heavily covered prototypes seen idling around Dearborn. The addition of an SVT badge would make the secretly developed desert stormer that much more legitimate in our eyes, even if Ford's in-house tuning program has never proven itself off the beaten path.

Gallery: Ford F150 "Raptor" - Spy Shots

[Source: Four Wheeler Blog via Pickuptruck.com]

Lightning strikes again? Ford F-150 Raptor may be branded SVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments