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2021 Shelby F-150 Revealed As Ford F-150 Raptor, Raptor R Alternative

The Blue Oval’s all-new, third generation 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor will arrive at dealers soon, and The Blue Oval is currently hard at work making sure the upcoming Raptor R can bring the heat to the 2021 Ram TRX. However, muscle truck shoppers in search of a unique performance powerhouse now have two more options in the form of the 2021 Shelby F-150, which offers buyers a naturally aspirated option, in addition to a supercharged variant with a potent 775 horsepower. The redesigned model has a lot to offer enthusiasts, assuming they’re willing to pluck down the considerable cash for one.

Every 2021 Shelby F-150 is based on the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4, which Shelby American utilizes to turn them into Raptor-adjacent off-road vehicles. In fact, the truck boasts Fox suspension technology for the front and rear, just like the Raptor, although Shelby went with 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks, which are a bit shorter than the 3.1-inch units that will grace the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor. That said, the Shelby F-150 comes standard with some proprietary adjustable suspension tech that allows it to remain civilized on-road and capable when the truck hits the dirt.

In addition to a unique suspension system, all models come with other performance goodies too, like a Shelby-tuned Borla exhaust with dual exhaust tips and rear traction bars. The company also outfitted its specialty F-150 with unique 22-inch wheels clad with BFG all-terrain KO2 35-inch tires.

2021 Shelby F-150

The Ford 5.0L Coyote V8 is used in both 2021 Shelby F-150 powertrain offerings, with the standard naturally-aspirated version being rated at 395 horsepower. But the spicier supercharged variant is significantly more interesting, as it cranks things up to a stout 775 horsepower thanks to the combined efforts of Borla, Shelby American, and Whipple. In addition to the supercharger itself, the optional powerplant comes with a performance air intake with a high-flow filter, a carbon fiber air intake tube, an aluminum heat exchanger, billet throttle body, and high flow fuel injectors. The company also paints the custom intake manifold in Ford Racing blue, which is a nice touch. Shelby has not released any information about the transmission, but a modified version of the Ford 10-speed automatic is what most likely transmits power to the wheels.

Another big draw for the 2021 Shelby F-150 is the extensive list of exterior enhancements, which are numerous. All trucks receive unique body-painted front and rear bumpers, fender flairs,  the requisite Shelby badging, and LeMans style striping. Functional upgrades include a Ram Air hood with vents, side steps that are light and powered, a tonneau cover, and a rug-lined bed, although that last feature may not be on every aspiring Shelby F-150 owner’s wish list.

2021 Shelby F-150

The cabin is similarly outfitted with touches designed to separate the 2021 Shelby F-150 from its factory counterparts. Seating is re-covered in two-tone leather, while carbon fiber trim replaces the stock components. Billet racing pedals, tinted windows, unique floor mats, and embroidered headrests round out the myriad interior upgrades Shelby figures will satisfy customers.

However, all of the aforementioned upgrades come at a high cost, with the least expensive 2021 Shelby F-150 coming in at $107,080 for the naturally aspirated version and $114,980 for the supercharged model. While pricing includes the base truck, the starting price is notably higher than what Ford is asking for the 2021 Raptor, which boasts a $64,145 MSRP, and has more horsepower to boot.

2021 Shelby F-150

That said, the 2021 Shelby F-150 does offer exclusivity, and for now, a Raptor-beating 775 beast of a powertrain. As Ford Authority exclusively reported, even the Raptor R might not be able to match that output, as all signs point to the range-topping Raptor boasting a supercharged, 750 horsepower version of the Ford 5.2L Predator V8. In any event, it will be interesting to see how both trucks are received by the buying public.

We’ll have more news on the Shelby F-150 and other tuned Fords soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for more Shelby American news, Ford F-150 news, Ford Raptor news, and continuous Ford news coverage.

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Ed owns a 1986 Ford Taurus LX, and he routinely daydreams about buying another one, a fantasy that may someday become a reality.

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Comments

  1. I love it, but not a huge fan of 2 things. First being that grille with the giant “Shelby” lettering is too much, i feel they should have left the Cobra on the corner for a much more clean and simple look. Also not crazy about there being a non supercharged variant with only 395 HP.. like why? Not sure how that makes sense on a $100,000 pickup.

    Reply
  2. BADASS FORD HAS AGAIN OUT DONE THEIRSELVES PHENOMENAL

    Reply
  3. Ive got a childs tricycle shelby can upgrade next if they are running out of ideas. Sure my kid would love it.

    Reply
  4. Will there ever be a day that we can read about Ford cars again. This endless stream of tricked out pickup trucks is getting ridiculous. If selling trucks for $50,000 is what it takes for Ford to turn a profit, the company’s long term prospect is bleak. These things will barely fit in most garages. These are insane vehicles to be driving as general transportation and more insane hopping them up. But hey, I’m just one opinion out of millions.

    Reply
  5. Wheres the Maverick artilcles?

    Reply
  6. millions of F-150 with 10 speeds and v-6’s and there spitting the 10 speeds.

    Reply
  7. And ford won’t stand behind the either.

    Reply
  8. They look like expensive trucks with plenty of expensive problems already baked in.

    Reply

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