The Ford Raptor R is Finally Here
The Ford Raptor R is Finally Here

Get ready to stalk your local Ford dealer for the 2023 Ford Raptor R. Orders are expected to start at some point this fall, but nothing is confirmed yet. However, the 2023 Raptor R looks promising as it once again packs a V8 engine. Let’s take a look at what makes this new Raptor R stand out from the pack.

Raptor R V8 Power

Some enthusiasts were disappointed with the current version of the Raptor R, which features a twin-turbo V6. However, the 2023 Raptor will once again offer V8 power from a 5.2-liter supercharged Predator engine. This engine makes an impressive 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. It also happens to be the same engine that was used in the Mustang Shelby GT500. In the Raptor R, the engine has been recalibrated for more low and mid-range torque to make it ideal for off-road use. To do this, the Ford Performance team made the following modifications:

– Unique oil cooler
– Upgraded air intake
– Deeper oil pan
– Improved exhaust manifolds

This recalibrated engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission to transfer power to the wheels.

Can the Raptor R Take On the Ram 1500 TRX?

The next question for Raptor enthusiasts is whether this new Raptor can take on the buzzy Ram TRX. According to MotorTrend, the new Ford Raptor revs a bit higher than the Ram at 7,000 RPM, but both trucks deliver the same horsepower. However, the Raptor R is expected to go from zero to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds versus the 4.5 seconds it takes for the Ram TRX to do the same. What makes the difference? The Raptor R has less torque than the Ram and it hits its peak power level at a higher RPM than the Ram, which makes it seem like it would be slower. What pushes the Ford past the Ram for speed is the Raptor’s smaller engine displacement, which lightens the load and allows for quicker acceleration.

Better For Off-Road

Compared to other off-road trucks, the Raptor sits taller with 13.1 inches of ground clearance, 37-inch tires, and 14.1 inches of wheel travel. This gives it an advantage with better off-road angles compared to rivals. To compare, the Ram TRX has 13 inches of wheel travel, 35-inch tires, and 11.8 inches of ground clearance. The Raptor R’s impressive power and performance will not be easy on the pocketbook. The starting price is expected to be $109,145, which makes it the most expensive production truck available. Nevertheless, it is highly anticipated and you can expect plenty of enthusiasts will be ready to get in line.

Ordering for the Raptor R should start soon at a Ford dealer near you, but no exact date has been set in stone yet.

electric gmc sierra denali ev
GMC Offers First Look Into Its Third All Electric Vehicle, the Sierra Denali

GMC is well on its way to featuring an all-eclectic fleet by 2030. The all-American car maker has offered consumers its first glimpse into the all-electric Sierra Denali. Models of the Denali including the GMC Sierra 1500 will be the only trim in the Sierra model that is fully electric. It will join the ranks as the third all-electric vehicle offered by GMC, sitting pretty right alongside the GMC Hummer EV SUV and the GMC Hummer EV pickup.

The first glimpse of the electrified Denali is as futuristic as it gets with the front and LED lights display being as beautiful as you would imagine. GMC vice president Duncan Aldridge promises that the “Sierra Denali holds tremendous equity for GMC and our customers.” Aldred adds, “We now have an opportunity to evolve Sierra’s capabilities and technologies, as afforded by transitioning to an all-electric propulsion while also elevating the luxurious design and comfort associated with Denali.”

Built on GMC’s Ultium Platform

Partnering with LG Energy Solutions, GM has built one of the most powerful electric vehicle platforms on the market, the Ultium Platform. This intentionally designed EV platform utilizes state-of-the-art technology so that you have the ultimate experience with your electric vehicle. The Denali, along with the other EVs in GMC’s portfolio, will be built using the power of Ultium.

What Does the GMC Denali EV Have to Offer?

GMC’s third all-electric vehicle is expected to offer everything drivers want in a powerful all-electric truck. Because it will be built on GM’s Ultium battery, it is expected to offer up to 400 miles in range on a single charge. This is a punch more than what the Hummer EV currently offers with its 350 mile range on a single charge.

Going off of what the current model of the Denali already has to offer, it’s expected that the Denali EV will feature a rear-wheel drive 1 motor set up as the standard. Drivers can expect to have the option of an all-wheel drive with a 2 motor setup as well. Much like the Hummer EV, there is the possibility that the Denali could allow drivers to choose a 3 motor setup as well.

Following the path of the other V’s in GMC’s portfolio, it’s expected that the Denali EV will offer equally impressive tech and safety features as well. One such feature is the Supercruise capability which allows drivers to have full hands-free driver assistance. Along with this, drivers can expect higher quality connectivity options, and enhanced comfort features too.

When it comes to the exterior, much like GMC’s current Denali models, drivers can look forward to a futuristic and sleek design that still incorporates that aggressive and iconic look of a Denali.

When Will the GMC Sierra Denali EV Be Unveiled?

GMC is planning to unveil the all-electric GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in 2023. The company has announced that the Denali will be assembled in GMC’s Factory ZERO assembly plant which is based in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan.

A New F-150 Raptor R is Coming With 700HP
A New F-150 Raptor is Coming With 700HP

Your local Ford dealership may soon be stocking up on the new F-150 Raptor R, which is a Ford high-performance pickup truck boasting 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. The engine responsible for this impressive power is a supercharged 5.2-liter V8. The new R version of the Raptor looks similar to the old Raptor, but it adds various design tweaks and more performance. Read More