Even earlier than a brand new automobile is launched, the corporate behind it asks, “What’s subsequent?” It begins interested by the upcoming mannequin’s limitations and the way it can push previous them with the following technology. Clearly, when Shelby American seemed on the Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R, and requested that query, the reply it got here up with was, “Extra.” Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, defined what precisely meaning by giving us an up-close take a look at a 2024 Baja Raptor R, one of many two fashions within the firm’s new Baja Raptor lineup.
Each the $61,995 EcoBoost bundle for the V6-powered Raptor and the $64,995 Raptor R bundle for the supercharged V8 mannequin add a complete array of beauty and mechanical upgrades. Exterior modifications embrace flat black metal bumpers, a 30-inch entrance LED mild bar, a Shelby by BDS suspension elevate, a singular vented hood, and a chase rack that serves as the bottom for a power-adjustable 50-inch LED mild bar and holds two full-size spares that match the 18-inch Shelby wheels and 37-inch mud terrain tires below the truck. Inside, Shelby American recovers the seats with totally different leather-based and microfiber, purple accents, and particular embroidery; installs billet racing pedals; and lays down embroidered ground mats. After all, it additionally makes clear that the Baja Raptor is just not your common pickup with a serialized sprint plaque.
The most important totally different between the 2 choices is – you guessed it – energy. The EcoBoost bundle makes the V6 Raptor extra ferocious, upping its output to 550 horsepower with a efficiency intercooler, consumption tube, and consumption with a high-flow filter. There are two ranges to the Raptor R improve: The primary provides a Shelby-tuned Borla exhaust however leaves output at 720 horsepower. The second stage will get you a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger that helps the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 crank out a bonkers 900-plus horsepower and provides $9,995 to the worth tag.
What’s subsequent? Watching the video under. It begins off with Patterson taking us by means of a number of the Baja Raptor R’s highlights on the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Public sale. Then I ask him some questions on its improvement, efficiency, and gross sales community.