The Ford F-150 is gaining a few new variants for the 2023 model year, including the retro-inspired Heritage Edition and the entry-level, off-road focused Rattler. However, the most highly-anticipated variant of the perennially best-selling pickup is undoubtedly the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. Way back in June of 2019, Ford Authority was the first to report that the V8 would be making a return to the F-150 Raptor, and has since revealed a host of exclusive details about the muscular pickup ahead of its official reveal today. Now, we’re finally getting to see the Ram TRX-fighting 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R in the flesh, and it certainly looks like it was worth the wait.
As Ford Authority reported back in August of 2020, the F-150 Raptor R is indeed powered by the supercharged Ford 5.2L V8 Predator powerplant. But in this guise, it produces a healthy 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. Regardless, this is less than the 750 horsepower the F-150 Raptor R was expected to produce, and fewer than the 760 ponies pumped out by the same engine in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (though more than its 625 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a different supercharger pulley), but right on par with the Ram TRX’s 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
In addition to a new supercharger pulley, Ford also gave the Raptor R’s V8 cast stainless steel exhaust manifolds, a unique oil cooler and filter, a deeper oil pan, a wider air inlet, and a high-flow conical air filter. As Ford Authority reported last month, this powerplant is mated to the Ford 10-speed SelectShift transmission, which features a unique calibration in this particular application.
Underneath, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R features a host of enhancements including a beefier front axle and a bigger driveshaft to handle its extra torque, as well as a five percent increase in the front spring rate. Like the regular Raptor, it also utilizes a five-link rear suspension, 24-inch coil springs, and Fox Live Valve shocks, giving it 13 inches of front wheel travel and 14.1 inches in the rear. Additionally, 37-inch tires – which are optional on the regular Raptor – come standard on the Raptor R.
On the outside, the Raptor R doesn’t look considerably different than its V6-powered counterpart, with just a few subtle changes present. Those consist of a power dome hood that’s roughly one inch higher for better heat extraction, Code Orange accents including an “R” badge on the grille, power dome, and tailgate, and a special graphics package on the rear fenders.
Eight exterior color options are available, including Avalanche Gray and Azure Gray.
Inside the cabin, the Raptor R gets standard Recaro seats trimmed in black leather and Alcantara, carbon fiber trim with a unique tri-axial weave, and a standard 12-inch infotainment screen with SYNC 4.
Order banks for the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R open today, as Ford Authority reported in June, while production of this muscular new model is scheduled to begin at the Dearborn Truck plant this fall. Pricing starts out at an eye-watering $109,145 – which is a bit more than a similarly-equipped Ram TRX – but that’s apparently the price we have to pay for the ultimate version of Ford’s most powerful Raptor to date.
We’ll have more on the 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 comprehensive Ford news coverage.
Comments
As a lifelong Ford owner, all of Ford’s trucks are simply priced way to high these days. Many of us are switching to RAM due to consistently getting $10K off sticker price and 0% financing on RAMS. Disappointed in Ford lately.
The real question is is how many TikTok Facebook and Instagramfollowers Do I need to qualify to purchase this vehicle. And while you’re at it you might as well include the true market value price of the vehicle not the MSRP. The pricing of Fords vehicles is very misleading.
Not that impressed. Should have used a performance 7.3L. Could not add 3+ horsepower for “bragging” rights.
Heck. 5.0L NA standard instead of 3.5L. Then add new 300 hp supercharger and your at raptor R.
Or 7.3L standard like 6.2L standard in 1st gen.
Better yet, they still make 6.2L. They should always have left that the standard engine and supercharged it for R!
Well Ford, after 30+ years of putting an F-150, F-350, and Mustang GT under my ass you’ve officially lost me on this one. I waited, and waited for my name to come up for the GT500 two years ago. When the dealer told me it had to include the carbon fiber package, I was out. Waited two more years on the “R”, and with a pierce tag of $110k I’ll be going to a TRX or Denali. Thanks Ford.
Ford has completely lost its way under CEO Jim Farley. Time to start dumping Ford stocks.
Hi idiot!
LIE about 3 horsepower for f#cksake!!
Really baffled as to why they didn’t bump the power a hair (or even lie about it) to top the TRX’s official numbers.
Trying to be humble, I guess?
40K more than a standard raptor and they couldn’t even change the wheels? it looks to much like a normal raptor, especially if it has the graphics delete. very underwhelmed. drop the price or do more to justify the 50% price increase. and for ducks sake keep it out of the hands of all the JO adm dealers.