Back in June of 2019, Ford Authority was the first to report that the Ford F-150 Raptor would once again be available with a V8 engine. In the years since, we’ve learned that this will indeed happen when the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R launches with the supercharged Ford 5.2L V8 Predator engine underhood, which will be mated to the automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission, rather than the seven-speed dual clutch unit present in the Predator-equipped Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, as Ford Authority reported last week. Now, following multiple leaks regarding the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, we’ve assembled a complete list of what we can expect from the forthcoming high-performance off-road pickup.
On the outside, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R will look quite a bit like the regular Raptor, and shares the same signature “Ford” script front grille as well. However, as Ford Authority exclusively reported recently, the V8-powered variant has a red “R” located beneath the “D” in Ford, which has thus far been covered up with black tape/camo on prototypes Ford Authority spies have spotted driving around.
The Raptor R will also roll on a set of unique forged 17-inch aluminum gloss black wheels with beadlock capability, which are the same units the Raptor 37 Package comes equipped with, which will be wrapped with 37-inch tires. Additionally, a set of rock rails have been added for body protection, which is notable because the regular F-150 Raptor comes equipped with cast-aluminum running boards. Exterior color options will include Area 51, as Ford Authority reported earlier this month, along with Avalanche Gray, Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat, Code Orange, Iconic Silver, Oxford White, Antimatter Blue, and Agate Black.
The interior of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R will also be quite similar to the cabin of the regular Raptor, but will feature a few slight differences specific to branding. Additionally, a supercharger boost gauge will take the place of the regular Raptor’s turbo boost gauge, which will allow owners to monitor what’s going on with the Raptor R’s piece de resistance – its supercharged Predator powerplant. Engineers are aiming for at least 750 horsepower in this application, but will aim to surpass that mark.
Underneath, the Raptor R – which was developed under the code name “Carnivore” – features the same coil spring suspension setup as the regular Raptor, but with a slightly different tune to accommodate its extra power and weight. The Raptor R also rides on the same platform as the Raptor EcoBoost, too. As Ford Authority previously reported, F-150 Raptor R order banks are scheduled to open this fall, right after the pickup’s debut.
We’ll have more on the 2023 F-150 Raptor R soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, Ford F-150 Raptor news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
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Cool truck. Will be hard to buy naturally during the first few years typical of special Ford Performance vehicles as dealers like to gouge. I had a ‘17 Raptor, and actually really liked the drivetrain. A bit too big for my purpose, and now have a Shelby Super Snake Sport F150. 4WD, lowered, Reg cab. Whipple SC 5.0. Easier to park and I don’t do off-road, but it launches like a beast!