The F-150 is part of the F-Series, a descriptor used to cover the entire succession of Ford pickups, which have been in production for more than 60 years. Originally conceived as a rugged, no-frills workhorse, the Ford F-150 has since morphed into a well-appointed, versatile pickup. Millions have been sold across America making the Ford F-150 the fastest selling commercial vehicle in the world.
The standard Ford F-150 can comfortably tow a boat, carry large items and even pull a large trailer. However, when it comes to offering off-road capabilities and performance, the standard F-150 is ill-equipped. Customers seeking a more toughened up Ford F-150 can opt for the more rugged SVT Raptor. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a purpose-built, high-performance off-road pick-up, which versatile enough to take on the most challenging adventures as well as the everyday commute.
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| Ford F-150 SVT Raptor |
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| Standard Ford F-150 |
Design
The tough, chiselled look of the standard Ford F-150 is taken to a new level with F-150 SVT Raptor. Noticeable differences between the SVT Raptor and conventional F-150 include a distinctive grille, which has the Ford name carved into it, a unique front bumper, bonnet, fenders and a collection of ‘SVT’ badges adorned on different parts of its body.
The F150 SVT Raptor is also seven inches wider compared to the standard pick-up. The raised height of the SVT Raptor reveals the performance oriented shock absorbers made by Fox Racing. Another key difference between the F-150 SVT Raptor and the standard F-150 is it is more than seven inches wider.
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| F-150 SVT Raptor in action |
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| Rugged look |
Performance
Underneath the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor’s bonnet is a 5.4-litre (5400cc) V8 engine that delivers 238 kW (320 hp) and 433 Nm of torque. For thrill seekers Ford provides a larger 6.2-litre V8 engine that churns out 306 kW (411 hp) and 590 Nm of torque. Paired with both engines is a six-speed automatic transmission. The Ford SVT Raptor’s wider track and softer suspension means it can comparatively glide over obstacles.
In addition to a beefed up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal bypass shock absorbers made by Fox Racing. The shock absorbers soak in most of the bumps allowing the F-150 SVT Raptor to be driven at high speed even in the roughest of surfaces. A tough truck needs tough tyres. That responsibility is delegated to the standard BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor’s 17-inch cast aluminium wheels are designed to absorb the impact of objects the truck could encounter in some of the most extreme environments.
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| FOX Shox |
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| Seating arrangement |
Interior
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor spacious interior can accommodate up to five occupants. Design elements from the unique grille and front fascia have been carried through to the interior on the console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a molten-orange leather strip that serves as a centre line, which is especially useful in extreme driving manoeuvres that can often cause the driver to lose perspective of the steering wheel's centre point.
A standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen is integrated in the centre of the instrument gauges, behind the steering wheel. The screen gives the driver important information related to various vehicle functions. The F-150 Raptor is equipped with other modern amenities such as rear-view camera, dual USB ports, voice activated infotainment system and a powerful sound system.
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| Cockpit |
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| Distinct looking rear |
Verdict
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is one unique vehicle. The tough, fast and aggressive allows one to tackle the hardest of off-road challenges with ease. The pick-up does this while still remaining practical, comfortable and versatile. Although the pick-up is currently available in LHD in America, there are recognized firms, such as US world direct http://www.uswd.com/category/rhd-conversions/ford/f150/ , which can convert the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to factory recommended RHD versions. The latest generation Ford F-150 and F-150 Raptor pick-ups have already been released.