January 2023

The entire F-150 lineup is getting a mid-cycle refresh, and that includes the supercharged 700-hp off-roader. The full-size truck segment moves fast in the US. It's hard to believe the current-generation Ford F-150 is already a couple of years old, but a mid-cycle refresh for the best-selling rig is already well into the testing phase. That places the hardcore F-150 Raptor R in a strange position, as it's technically an F-150. That means it will also get a facelift despite debuting less than a year ago. These photos offer our first look at the Raptor with updated styling. Like other F-150 trims we've spied recently, the Raptor R's exterior changes will be relegated to the front and rear. Even then, the emphasis falls on the front where a larger grille exists behind the coverings. That will lead to an updated bumper, and we expect minor changes to the headlights as well. With the

Judging by these spy photos out of Michigan, the just-released off-road monster could be getting an early nip-and-tuck Spy shots suggest lighting changes are in store for ‘24 for the Raptor R Beyond what we can see, a revamped interior is expected The timing has us wondering: Could we see it at the Chicago Auto Show? Major truck manufacturers don’t tend to rest on their laurels for very long, often choosing to introduce a small styling tweak or powertrain tune in order to keep the rig fresh (and beat their competition over the head with a steel chair, natch). Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, it appears that Ford is deploying this trick with its just-released F-150 Raptor R. Our photographers caught this mildly camouflaged Raptor R plying the streets of Michigan, roaring about in all its V8 glory. This type of skin-tight camo on a vehicle’s front and rear ends generally suggests some mild appearance changes

Until recently, the Ram 1500 TRX served as the most powerful series-production ICE half-ton pickup in Mexico, where it costs 2,479,900 pesos. That means $131,830 at current exchange rates, which is quite a bit more than what Ram is charging stateside for its off-road performance truck. Ford can do better, though. Not only is the F-150 Raptor R more versatile off the beaten path, but it also costs a wee bit more. Marketed as the Lobo Raptor R in Mexico, the Predator-engined truck retails at 2,479,900 pesos or $135,650 at press time. Ford’s local division proudly describes it as being “la bestia mas fuerte de la galaxia” (the strongest beast in the galaxy), a description that might bring back memories of a ‘90s anime. Founded in 1925 as the country’s first automobile company, Ford of Mexico waxes lyrical about the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that explains the R suffix of the Raptor R. From the forged steel

Half-ton pickups designed for dune bashing to the tune of supercharger whine and V8 rumble. The 2023 model year Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX couldn’t be more similar, but on the other hand, one of these trucks is faster in the quarter mile. Care to guess which one? The HEMI-powered truck has the upper hand in this particular scenario, which is a bit curious given that we’re dealing with a curb weight of 6,350 pounds (2,880 kilograms) compared to 5,950 pounds (2,699 kilograms). On the other hand, it’s not exactly a surprising result given that lighter tires (35-inch-diameter rubber shoes for the Ram versus 37s for the Ford) translate to a lower moment of inertia. Rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag also have a big say from zero to the quarter mile, as do tire temperature, gearing, and – of course – the driver’s reaction. Back in November 2022, the good folks

Texas-based tuning company Hennessey renowned for making fast cars faster takes Ford's high performance version of the Bronco to the next level. If there were ever a company you would want to modify your high horsepower American car, it's surely Hennessey. The Ford Bronco Raptor is the latest vehicle to receive the full Hennessey treatment with the Bronco VelociRaptor 500. Located in Sealy, Texas since 1991, Hennessey has been turning up the wick on Vipers, Mustangs, Corvettes, and basically any other performance car since. Though it also tinkers with European makes, most of its creations are American vehicles. The Hennessey VelociRaptor Is A D.I.N.O. (Dinosaur In Name Only) Ford's top version of the Bronco (often nicknamed 'Braptor') is already a very powerful and capable off-road SUV, but the folks at Hennessey think there's more performance to squeeze out of it. The result is the VelociRaptor 500 upgrade package which - through several engine modifications - increases the