2022 Ford Raptor R—First Look
Ford is Ready For Battle with a 700 hp Supercharged Beast of its own—Look Out TRX!
Quick Specs: 2023 Ford Raptor R
- Engine: 5.2-liter Supercharged V8
- Horsepower: 700 @ 6,650 rpm
- Torque: 640 @ 4,250 rpm
- Gear Ratio: 4.10:1
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Wheel Travel: 13-inches front, 14.1-inches rear
- Tires: 37X12.50R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2
Ford has taken it on the chin ever since Ram’s wildly powerful TRX hit the scene over a year ago. The Raptor’s 450 hp twin-turbo V6 suddenly felt a little weak. It just didn’t have the muscle to compete with Ram’s supercharged Hellcat V8. But Ford had a plan. Launch the V6 Raptor first and then hit back hard with the Raptor R. And judging by the specs we know so far, Ram’s going to feel the sting. So let’s get to the main event.
Under that massive new (one-inch taller) hood bulge is the engine we’ve been wanting since the old 6.2-liter was discontinued—the return of the V8. And it’s a good one. The Raptor R’s 5.2-liter Supercharged V8 is a modified version of the engine that powers the Mustang Shelby GT500 Mustang. That means there’s a forged cross plane crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons and dual overhead cams. Here, the motor makes 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque thanks to 12 psi of boost. That’s 60 fewer horsepower than the Mustang but 15 more lb-ft of torque. Of course if it were our program, we’d have specified the engine to be calibrated to at least 703 hp, one more than the TRX, but that’s just us.
To emphasize more low and mid-range torque, engineers worked some magic on the supercharger and installed a new pulley too. The Raptor gains more durable stainless steel exhaust manifolds as well as a specific oil cooler and filter as well as a deeper oil pan. Plus, to help the big V8 breathe, there’s a new higher-flowing air intake. Ford says this intake delivers 66 percent more flow. At the other end, the V8 exhales through a massive dual exhaust system with a muffler pass-through and active valve system with multiple modes: Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja. The Raptor R has the same drive modes as the V6 Raptor and features the ability to quickly access one saved mode by pressing the R on the steering wheel. All the Raptor’s drive modes remain the same as before however, they have all been optimized for the output of this new V8.
The Raptor’s 10-speed automatic has been recalibrated for the R along with adding a new torque convertor featuring a heavy duty turbine damper. There’s also a four pinion output assembly. While the rear axle remains largely unchanged for R duty, including the 4.10:1 ratio, extensive modifications were made up front. The front differential remains the same Ford Sterling 8.8-inch unit but it now receives power from a beefier driveshaft, has a higher strength carrier casting and wears a finned aluminum cover for better heat dissipation. There is a new pinion snubber as well as new stiffer front axle bushings with internal travel limiters. Unfortunately, the Torsen limited-slip differential is not available on the Raptor R. In fact, we’re told the diff will no longer be an option on any Raptor for 2023. So, if you require enhanced front-end traction from an LSD in your Raptor—shop for a 2022 model before they are gone.
Peek underneath and you’ll find the suspension similar to other Raptors. All Raptor R models wear 37-inch rubber. So, like the V6 model’s 37-inch tire package, the R’s suspension is limited to 13-inches of travel up front and 14.1-inches in the back. Ford is using the same five-link rear suspension and IFS front suspension as the V6 Raptor except for a 5 percent increase in front spring rate.
The Raptor R’s sheetmetal remains largely the same however there are many subtle and not-so-subtle differences when you compare this truck to a V6 Raptor. Of course, there’s the larger hood bulge. Ford also painted the grille, bumpers and fender flares black for a more aggressive look. There are plenty of “Code Orange” R badges scattered all around the rig as well as on the “Raptor” sticker on the bedsides.
On the inside, the R comes standard with black leather and Alcantara Recaro seats. And there are strips of real carbon fiber trim adorning just about every interior surface. They have a special weave that only comes on the R. Of course the R comes with just about every safety and tech option including Ford’s 12-inch touchscreen.
The Raptor R package sounds mighty impressive. We certainly can’t wait to spend a little time behind the wheel. The big question is: how will the Raptor R stack up against the TRX. We think—pretty darn well. The power and torque are nearly identical, yet the R rides on taller rubber. But that’s us just bench racing. You can bet as soon as we can get both rigs in the same place at the same time, we’ll let them duke it out. If you don’t want to wait that long, Ford says you’ll be able to order the R right now with production starting in the fall.
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