Performance truck enthusiasts already loved the Raptor R. Now, they have even more reason to be excited about the new models now at the local Ford dealership.
The Raptor R Now Makes 720 Horsepower
When Ram announced it was set to wrap up production of its 1500 TRX, the Ford F-150 Raptor R’s biggest rival, some thought it would spell the end of innovation in the class. All it takes is a quick trip to the Ford dealership to see that is not the case.
The Ford engineers have not just been sitting back, reveling in the automaker’s newfound dominance in the field. Instead, they have been hard at work making sure that drivers won’t have anything to miss as the TRX leaves the scene.
A Few Small Tweaks Make a Big Difference
The 2024 Raptor R still features the same supercharged 5.2L Predator V-8 engine. In the F-150, it produced 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. These numbers left some truck lovers mystified since the Predator is the same engine found in the S550 Shelby GT500, where it produces 760 hp.
The problem was that stuffing the engine into an F-150 and making all the required changes led to a loss of power. Thankfully, it just took a few minor changes to fix it. More specifically, Ford revisited its tuning setup, enhancing engine calibration.
The Raptor team also reworked the air inlet to reduce losses. The primary combined effect of these minor tweaks is an extra 20 hp.
Why an Extra 20 Horsepower Matters
This improvement may seem minor, but the extra 20 hp earns Ford back its bragging rights. The now-defunct Ram 1500 TRX featured a 6.2L Hemi V-8 producing 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Though its rival is no longer in production, the Ford Raptor R now has the TRX beat, at least in terms of horsepower. In a competitive class, winning that battle is worth a lot.
Torque is another issue, as the air inlet tweaks and tuning changes will not make a difference there. Theoretically, the reworked tune will make the usable torque band wider.
Can the Raptor R Handle the Extra Output?
Ford made crucial changes when it enhanced the Raptor’s chassis to accommodate the Predator. Though the automaker presumably did not know its engineers would crack the horsepower problem, these changes paved the way for the tuning change and minor power boost.
The 2023 Raptor R already had a reworked front axle, a new aluminum driveshaft, and an improved gearbox and torque converter. When tackling rough terrain, the Raptor’s Fox Live Valve shocks and massive 37-inch tires make all the difference, even with the tweaked output.
Having trouble deciding if it is worth heading to the Ford dealership to trade up an older Raptor R? Serious performance truck enthusiasts feel the answer is clear. Even if the power increase doesn’t produce a noticeable difference behind the wheel, it will win Raptor owners back their bragging rights.
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