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Ho Ho Ho Horsepower! 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R gets 720 ponies
Posted by Talbot Payne on December 21, 2023
Ho ho ho horsepower!
Just in time for Christmas, Ford Motor Co. announced that its V8-powered off-road beast, the F-150 Raptor R, will up its output to 720 horsepower for the 2024 model year. That puts the Raptor R firmly at the head of the gas-powered super-truck class, eclipsing its rival, 702-horsepower Ram TRX.
However, that’s still shy of new electric-power pickups on the market including the 1,000-horsepower GMC Hummer EV, the 835-horse Cybertruck, and 835-horse Rivian R1T.
The Raptor R is an upgrade over the standard Raptor supertruck with “only” 450 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-6 engine. Otherwise, the super trucks share SuperCrew cabs, 5.5-foot boxes, 10-speed transmissions and enough off-road artillery to make a small army jealous. Giant 37-inch tires, Fox Dual Live Valve dampers, and 13-inch suspension lift help propel the Raptor R across desert dunes at over 100 mph. A factory-sponsored, competition-equipped Raptor R won the Stock Mid-Size class at this year’s Baja 1000.
The Ford Raptor is considered the first “super truck” given its prodigious off-road abilities compliments of racing-proven shocks, tuned chassis, and high-output engine. But after Ford swapped out the first-generation, 2010-2014 truck’s throaty V-8 engine for a more emissions-compliant, twin-turbo V-6 in the second-generation, 2017-2020 truck, the brand heard grumbles from enthusiasts over its lack of rumble.
With canny product management, Ford’s introduction of a battery-powered Lightning pickup opened up regulatory wiggle room for the brand to re-introduce the V-8 engine in the Raptor R for the 2023 model year. The Raptor R’s supercharged, 5.2-liter V-8 is shared with the recent Mustang GT500 coupe and not only beats the Ram TRX horsepower number but crushes the first-gen, 6.2-liter V8-powered Raptors’ 411 horsepower.
The Raptor R was met with huzzahs from enthusiasts and was snapped up by buyers despite its $109,145 sticker price — a healthy premium over the “base” $78,770 model.
“The R is about 40 percent more expensive than the base price for the ‘regular’ Raptor. However, the R also puts out about 55 percent more horsepower,” wrote enthusiast journal Car and Driver. “If you’re after frightening acceleration and peak performance, then the choice is a no-brainer. The glorious wail of that supercharged V-8 is the cherry on top.”
Still, grumbles persisted that the R was shy of the TRX by 2 horses. For 2024, problem solved. Ford elves credit the 20 horsepower increase to “reduced air inlet losses coupled with an optimized calibration that also results in a wider torque curve.”
Opting for the Raptor R also includes unique graphics and badging, and options for the stocking like a Raptor Carbon Fiber Package. You’ll know the R by its larger hood vent, revised grille and standard, 37-inch all-terrain tires. The R also bests its V-6 stablemate with an 8,700-pound tow capability (8,200 for regular Raptor) — though both numbers pale compared to the more Santa toy bag-friendly F-150 and its 14,000-pound max towing.
Those who want to improve the audio experience on the way to grandma’s house can option an 18-speaker B&O sound system. Or you can just turn up the V-8.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.