Ford tweaked its supercharged 5.2-liter powerplant, especially for the R.
Special Powerplant
While it has looks that aren't all that different from the V6-powered F-150 Raptor, the Raptor R obviously represents quite a bit of an upgrade in one particular place - its powerplant. Under the hood, the Raptor R brings V8 power back to the popular off-roader for the first time since its first generation, and that's obviously big news. But as most are already aware, this is no regular, run-of-the-mill V8 we're talking about. Instead, it's something truly special.
Photos: Ford
Few Differences
Known as the Predator in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 present in the Raptor R has received a few tweaks that ultimately make it more suitable for use in a truck, yet also slightly less powerful with an output of 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. That's 60 less horsepower than the GT500, but also 15 more pound-feet of torque for extra grunt.
Photos: Ford
Subtle Changes
The Raptor R's version of this particular powerplant is a bit different than the one used in the GT500, however. The engine - which is topped by a 2.65-liter supercharger that pumps out 12 psi of boost - features a different supercharger pulley than the Mustang, which is designed to boost low-end torque. The powerplant also features cast stainless steel exhaust headers to provide the perfect mix of strength and performance.
Photos: Ford
Tweaked Pan
The cast-aluminum oil pan present on the Raptor R is also different than the GT500's, for obvious reasons like the fact that such a change is needed to make it fit, but also for less obvious reasons such as the fact that Ford wanted to ensure that there was plenty of clearance for off-roading. After all, who wants a blown engine out in the middle of the desert?
Photos: Ford
Lighter, More Powerful
From there, Ford also tweaked the engine's crankshaft damper design to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness and added a Raptor R build badge on the supercharger housing to let everyone know that they're looking at something unique and special. What's particularly interesting, however, is that the R's V8 is only 100 pounds heavier than the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 present in the regular Raptor, though it cranks out 250 more horsepower.
Photos: Ford
Additional Enhancements
There are plenty of nifty features present inside the Raptor R's V8 as well, including dual overhead cams, a forged steel cross-plane crankshaft, and forged aluminum pistons that result in a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Ford utilized a number of other upgrades on the outside as well, including a unique oil cooler and intercooler optimized for off-road conditions, a large front cooling pack intake, and a special air intake system with a conical air filter that increases air volume by 66 percent compared to the regular Raptor.
Photos: Ford
Powerful and Capable
The result is a powerful masterpiece of an engine that's every bit as capable as it is glorious to listen to. By the sounds of things, the Raptor R's V8 will also be more than capable of surviving in harsh off-road conditions, which is obviously quite important for a truck that's designed to provide hours of fun in the dirt and sand.
Photos: Ford
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