2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
All this hardware makes for very high handling limits off-road, and we quickly learned that owners will need to build up the skill-and bravado-to make the most of it. Because of the inherent nature of the bypass shocks, the Raptor actually seemed to ride smoother the faster we hit obstacles. Hold back or stab the brakes, and the front end would compress violently over whoops. Even more exhilarating was the high-speed stability afforded by the wider track. With the off-road electronics, the wheels can be locked up initially for better braking on loose ground while also permitting gratuitous, Scandinavian-flick rally turns at speeds that would send normal trucks into barrel rolls. A Land Rover-esque off-road driving school might not be a bad idea here, Ford.
Still an F-150 Underneath
Yet second only to its prowess off-road, the Raptor’s most surprising attribute is that it performs much like a regular F-150 everywhere else. Sure, it’s a couple inches taller (you notice that behind the wheel) and nearly one foot wider (not really noticeable), but on the pavement it’s quiet, composed, and about as well behaved as one could expect from such a dirt-oriented setup. Braking performance felt respectable, and the extra cushion in the suspension made for a compliant ride with less of the rear-axle hop common to unladen pickups. Road noise and tire roar also weren’t bad, owing mostly to the softer compound employed in the special BFG rubber.
Inside is a mostly standard F-150 cabin, which is a pretty pleasant place to start. Nicely bolstered sport seats kept us supported and comfortable, and the contoured steering wheel felt great when sending commands to the revised steering rack. Other touches include white-faced SVT gauges and new console-mounted controls for the off-road electronics and auxiliary power switches. Optional Molten Orange seat inserts and trim help brighten the mostly dark interior, but we could live without the center-console appliqué, which looks like a cheap sticker from the local auto parts store. Even without the huge “F-O-R-D” spelled out across the new grille, the Raptor is instantly recognizable as an F-150, albeit one with ultra-aggressive proportions and an imposing stance. There are plenty of cool details here, too, including skid plates galore, functional heat extractors on the hood and fenders, beefy hydroformed bumpers, and LED marker lights in the grille and on the flared wheel arches. Available colors are limited to orange, black, blue, and white.
Wait for the Boss
Our only real complaint with the Raptor is the 310-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 that comes with the $38,995 base price. Feeling woefully overtaxed by the vehicle’s mass and large tires, it strains to move the truck up hills and out of corners with any verve. The six-speed automatic helps, and the issue isn’t as bad in the dirt, where the suspension allows you to build and keep momentum. But we frequently had the throttle mashed to the floor just to get moving at a normal pace. Fortunately, a new Boss 6.2-liter V-8 will be available early next year, packing about 400 hp and adding $3000 to the sticker. Other major options include a luxury package (power heated mirrors and front seats, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded stereo, and adjustable pedals), a sunroof, navigation, and the aforementioned body graphics.
Although a fully loaded Raptor should top out near $50,000, the package seems like a bargain, considering it is still every-day drivable, can tow 6000 pounds, and carries a factory warranty. And then there’s the off-road performance, which would require at least $20,000 in modifications on top of an F-150 FX4 ($36,065 base) to match. Ford says its Dearborn truck plant will be able to turn out up to 5000 or so Raptors annually and that there will be plenty of performance accessories available in the near future. As it is, the Raptor is the most unique SVT-engineered vehicle next to the 550-hp Ford GT supercar, and that’s saying something. Maybe it’s time we define a new category of vehicle: the supertruck.
You Might Also Like
