Ford F-150 Raptor R: 730 HP V8 in Europe | Test and Comparison

A breakthrough in the extreme pickup truck segment: Ford F-150 Raptor R enters Europe

The market of extreme off-road vehicles and American super-trucks in Europe is entering a completely new dimension. Although the standard Ford F-150 Raptor has been a benchmark in the field of high-speed off-road flights and uncompromising off-road capability for years, engineers from the Ford Performance division decided to fulfill the wishes of the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. The result of their work is the impressiveFord F-150 Raptor® R™– a monster that makes its own rules on and off the road.

The appearance of the F-150 Raptor R on the European market in a strictly limited number of copies is a unique event. This car combines the legendary durability of American pickup trucks with supercar-worthy performance and a premium finish. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes the Raptor R the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering and how it differs from the beloved standard F-150 Raptor variant.

The heart is the legendary V8: What's hidden under the hood of the Raptor R version?

The most important and fundamental difference between the classic Raptor and the Raptor R version is under the huge engine cover. The standard Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by a modern, double-turbocharged 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which generates very high torque and power of 450 HP. It is an extremely flexible engine and appreciated for its efficiency, but fans of American motoring have always longed for the uncompromising sound and characteristics of a V8 engine.

In response to these expectations, theRaptor Rvariant was created, the heart of which was a hand-built ( Hand-built ) unit charged with a compressor -5.2L Supercharged V8 . This impressive engine offers stunning power730 HPand as much as867 Nm of maximum torque . Compared to the V6 version, this means a power increase of almost 280 HP! This translates into lightning-fast acceleration, immediate response to pressing the gas pedal at all revs and a reserve of driving force that allows you to overcome the most difficult sand dunes and mud ruts with extraordinary ease.

Featuring a hand-built 730 HP 5.2L Supercharged V8, the Ford F-150 Raptor R is the most powerful production F-150 ever officially sold in Europe.

Exhaust system and sound: True Dual Exhaust

Power is one thing, but the emotion of driving is also the sound. While the standard Raptor EcoBoost V6 sounds gritty and modern, the Raptor R is equipped with a dedicatedTrue Dual Exhaustfull dual exhaust system with active valves. The driver can select exhaust volume modes - from the subdued "Silent" mode (ideal for a morning start-up in the housing estate) to the extreme "Raptor" mode, in which the supercharged V8 produces a unique, bass symphony of mechanical supercharging and the roar of the exhaust valves at high revs.

FOX™ Dual Valve Suspension: Baja Racing Engineering

Both variants of the F-150 Raptor were created for fast off-road driving, but the Raptor R version adapts the suspension system to a much higher weight and more powerful V8 engine. The standard Raptor uses the award-winning FOX™ Live Valve shock system. The Raptor R version uses even more advancedFOX™ Dual Valve shock absorbers with Live Valvetechnology.

This system constantly monitors the position of the wheels and the road surface several hundred times per second. Dual Valve shock absorbers have independent, electronic damping adjustment in the deflection (rebound) and compression (compression) phases. This allows for absolutely perfect control over the body - the heavy pickup truck floats over bumps, absorbs jumps on jumps and prevents the suspension from bottoming out on landing, while maintaining stability on hardened asphalt.

In addition, the Raptor R leaves the factory with powerful,37-inch BFGoodrich® KO2 All-Terrain tires , mounted on 17-inch forged rims with the option of installing a ring to prevent the tire bead from slipping off ( beadlock-capable wheels ). On the standard Raptor, 37-inch tires require the selection of a special option package, while on the Raptor R they are factory standard, adapted to the vehicle's geometry.

Exterior design: Details that reveal the power of

Although the silhouette of both vehicles is similar, characterized by widened fenders and impressive ground clearance, the Raptor R version is revealed by numerous unique styling accents:

• Unique engine hood:Raptor R has a more expressive, raised embossment on the hood (so-calledpower dome) with a black air outlet and a characteristic "R" emblem in Code Orange.
• Front bumper:Modular bumperFord Performancewas used, prepared for the installation of additional winches or LED lighting.
• Radiator grille:Black grille with a large FORD inscription, distinguished by a contrasting orange accent next to the letter R.
• Dedicated graphics:Optional rear fender stripes and graphics feature unique patterns reminiscent of the desert cracked lands and a discreet "R" ring.

Interior: Luxury combined with motorsport precision

When we enter the F-150 Raptor R cabin, we immediately notice the combination of the highest operational comfort with the brand's racing heritage. While the standard Raptor offers very comfortable sports seats with fabric or leather finish, the Raptor R offers as standard high-performance seatsRECARO® , covered with a combination of premium black leather and suede Alcantara.

The interior is also decorated with exclusive real carbon fiber inserts with a unique weave on the dashboard, door panels and center console. All elements are finished with contrasting stitching in the stylish colorCode Orange , which is the hallmark of the R series. In front of the driver there is a digital instrument cluster with dedicated graphics and modes for displaying information about compressor boost pressure and overloads.

Head-to-head comparison: Ford F-150 Raptor vs Ford F-150 Raptor R

To better illustrate the key differences between these two unique vehicles, we have prepared a clear summary of technical parameters and equipment:

Availability in Europe: Unique for collectors and enthusiasts

The standard Ford F-150 Raptor with a V6 engine is a rare and exclusive vehicle on European roads, but theF-150 Raptor Rversion is an absolute one-of-a-kind. Due to strict standards and limited production at the Dearborn factory, Raptor R is shipped to Europe in a very limited number. Each copy is a potential classic and an object of desire among collectors and enthusiasts of uncompromising American super-trucks. Those interested in purchasing should contact their local authorized dealers offering American Ford models immediately for reservation details.