Ford’s New F-150 Raptor R Muscles Up at 720 HP

Ford’s F-150 is a plenty capable vehicle but for those who want a truck that can add sports car level-power and awe-inspiring off-road capabilities, there’s the F-150 Raptor R. And for 2024, the full-size beast cranks things up to a new level, punching out 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque.

Anyone who’s driven the Ford F-150 Raptor knows it’s an impressive machine: quick off the line and ready to rumble, whether on pavement or off. But for those who think it’s still too tame, Ford has unleashed a true beast in the form of the 2024 F-150 Raptor R.

And the newly updated model gets a significant bump in power for the new model-year, at 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.  That gives it a leg up over the Stellantis’ Ram 1500 TRX – which isn’t exactly a slouch at 702 hp and 650 lb-ft.

Pumped up

Ford announced plans for an upgraded Raptor R earlier this year but is only now revealing final production specs for the 2024 update.

It says it was able to squeeze out an extra 20 horsepower from the 2024 model’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 by reducing air inlet losses and optimizing the engine calibration. Another benefit: a wider torque curve that brings out the beast in the Raptor R at lower RPMs.

A brief history

It’s been 14 years since Ford first introduced the Raptor badge for the F-150 family – eventually adding it to the Bronco line, as well. In it’s original form, the truck was offered with two powertrain options:

• A 5.4-liter V-8 making 310 hp; and
• A 6.2-liter V-8 bumping that up to 411 hp.

While outfitted to handle just about any off-road environment, the Raptor was specifically tuned for Baja-style desert racing.

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Under the hood

Like the outgoing package, the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R uses the supercharged Predator V-8 originally developed for the Mustang Shelby GT500.

The 10-speed automatic transmission also has been upgraded to handle the tougher environment it will face. One nice detail: extra-long magnesium paddle shifters that make it easy to operate, even when jouncing down a Baja course, balls to the wall.  Power is then fed to all four wheels through a beefed-up transfer case. A four-stage active exhaust system adds a menacing roar.

But Raptor R is about more than just raw muscle. Ford engineers have come up with a surprisingly holistic package. Its active suspension keeps you under control when you’re flying down the Baja. But the system also keeps your fillings from flying out while traveling down the freeway.

Tech talk

Credit here the Fox Live Valve suspension which sucks up even the worst bumps the Raptor R might encounter. All key systems, in turn, can be dialed in to best meet road conditions and driver demand using the truck’s 7-setting driver mode selector.

There are several features that make it easier to handle off-road adventures, including Trail Turn which uses the inside brake to help the truck pirouette around a tight corner, and One-Pedal Mode which allows you to accelerate and decelerate simply by modulating the throttle. While that’s a common feature on modern EVs, it’s a unique offering on a gas-powered vehicle.

The R gets an assortment of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning with emergency autobraking. But you won’t be able to get the automaker’s hands-free BlueCruise system.

Twin video screens handle both the gauge cluster and infotainment system, the latter 12-inch display powered by the latest Ford Sync technology and adding wireless Apple CarPlay. There’s also an audiophile-grade Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The visuals

Like the Raptor, you can outfit the F-150 Raptor R with 37-inch tires. And it gets a number of other features designed to make it easy to challenge rough off-road trails – including a modular front bumper that can easily be outfitted with a winch or other accessories.

Raptor R gets a number of unique features, including a power dome on the hood to enhance its muscular feel. Add graphics above the wheel lip molding, along the boxside and on the hood and fenders.

Look for the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R to reach U.S. showrooms early in the New Year.