The horsepower race isn’t over – it’s just moved to the world of trucks. Ford has showcased a prototype of its F-150 Raptor R boasting an astonishing 900+ horsepower, surpassing its already powerful standard Raptor R, which delivers 720 hp. This move appears to be a response to the impending return of the Ram TRX, signaling a renewed battle for off-road truck supremacy.
A Boosted Beast: Powering the Raptor R
The showcased vehicle, currently on display at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show this week, receives its significant power upgrade through a Ford Performance Parts 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. This addition unlocks an extra 180+ horsepower, pushing the truck well beyond the already impressive figures of the standard model. While official torque figures haven’t been released, it’s expected to see a considerable increase over the Raptor R’s 640 pound-feet.
Production Status: A Potential Upgrade
However, there’s a key caveat. While Ford is moving forward with the production of a similarly upgraded Maverick – a smaller, more accessible truck – the company hasn’t yet committed to producing this extreme version of the F-150 Raptor R. For now, it’s positioned as a “potential Ford Performance Parts” package, meaning it might be offered as an aftermarket upgrade rather than a factory-built option.
If this package were to reach production, Ford assures buyers a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, provided the installation is handled by a Ford dealership or a technician certified by the National Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program.
Beyond the Horsepower: Aesthetic Enhancements
Even though the most potent version of the Raptor R remains uncertain, many of the visual upgrades seen at SEMA are available now. The prototype showcases a striking gloss carbon fiber package, complemented by a Borla cat-back exhaust system featuring black chrome tips. Further enhancing its off-road capabilities, the truck is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of Rigid off-road auxiliary lights.
Ram TRX Returns: An Escalating Competition
The horsepower announcement arrives as the Ram TRX is set to make a comeback, likely aiming to rival the standard F-150 Raptor R initially. Given Ram’s history of delivering high-performance variants, it’s anticipated that the revived TRX will surpass Ford’s offering. The previous TRX model packed 702 hp. Ram has a track record of using the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, which delivers 797 hp in the Challenger Hellcat Redeye and an even higher 807 hp in the SRT Super Stock – suggesting a substantial power boost is likely.
The intensifying competition between Ford and Ram is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of high-performance trucks, promising exciting advancements for off-road enthusiasts.
The unveiling of the 900+ horsepower Raptor R prototype underscores the ongoing horsepower wars in the truck segment and sets the stage for an increasingly competitive market, where performance and off-road capability are paramount. The future of this extreme Raptor R remains to be seen, but its introduction signals a clear intention from Ford to dominate the high-performance truck landscape
