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The Most Rugged-Looking SUVs of 2023

Mainstream SUVs continue to evolve into a class of vehicles that blur the lines between comfort, convenience, and ruggedness. You can get a luxury SUV with all the bells and whistles that you expect in an upscale ride, but in the same class, you can also get a brawny vehicle designed to tackle any type of rough terrain. Some SUVs have more rugged features than others. Here’s a look at some of the most rugged 2023 models. Read More

What’s the Best Car for Your Family? Here Are 10 Suggestions
What’s the Best Car for Your Family? Here Are 10 Suggestions

If your initial thought when looking for the best car for your family is to choose a minivan, you’re on the right track, but there might be others.

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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.

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

Ford F-150 Battle of the Trims: Platinum vs. Lariat

The Ford F-150 continues to be the highest-selling pickup truck in the country. When people think of a machine that can haul, tow, and catch attention, they think of Ford’s flagship pickup truck. Only the challenge with buying a Ford F-150 is deciding which trim to choose, especially when there are amazing options.

The real question drivers face is if there really is a difference between high-level trims like the Platinum model and lower-level options like the Lariat. Is the upper trim work the higher cost, or is it just loaded with bells and whistles that don’t improve the drive?

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