2013 Shelby Raptor: First Drive
By Matt Stone
Shelby American has turned its focus from modifying Mustangs into a whole new area: the SVT F-150 Raptor. The all-new package was announced at the 2013 New York International Auto Show and garnered a boatload of attention because it would be Shelby's first foray into the world of off-roading.
You can get the Shelby treatment on any 6.2-liter Ford Raptor, in either extended cab or full quad cab body styles, with a choice of several graphics packages in white, matte black, silver, Azure Blue and red.
Shelby started with what some already consider to be a monster of a truck, the 6.2-liter Raptor (the 5.4-liter model is not eligible for the reworking); our test unit was a 2013 model. Power adders were a must, and they came in the form of a Shelby/Whipple supercharger and intercooler setup, which amped the horsepower from the stock 411 to a more Shelby-like 575.
It includes an open-element cold-air intake system, and Shelby finished the job with a "Stinger" exhaust and drainpipe-sized, polished stainless Borla dual exhaust tips. Shelby side front fender air extractors and dual fans in front of the intercooler help keep things cool under the hood.
Shelby wisely left alone the SVT-developed suspension. Its amazing Fox shock absorbers and special spring rates offer an unbeatable combination of ride, handling, body control and off-road compliance. Shelby left it unmodified, but is considering an optional, more hard-core off-roading suspension if there's interest. Our tester wore off-road-biased optional Shelby Method 18-inch wheels and 35/12.50 R18LT BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A tires. Other options included a Shelby roof-mounted light bar and special front and/or rear bumpers. The factory-installed Torsen front differential, traction control system and hill descent control remain in place.
The cabin got a Shelby tuneup as well, including the requisite logos and individualized ID plate. The dash received fuel pressure and boost gauges, niftily engineered into the air conditioning vents.
Before we hit the dirt at the off-road Northwest OHV Park in Bridgeport, Texas, we drove the Shelby Raptor on the freeway and on side streets to get a feel for its everyday nature, which is friendly and very fast. The stock 6.2-liter gets the job done under normal circumstances, but that wouldn't be Shelby enough. The blower package delivers an intoxicating blend of power, plus intake, exhaust and blower noise. The engine rumbles at idle, albeit fairly quiet when cruising in low rpm, but it barks and howls when you dig deeply into the right pedal. The combination of blower whine, intake road and exhaust blend to remind you — and everyone else — that there's something special under that big hood.
The fortified 6.2-liter V-8 is really impressive off the line, particularly in passing maneuvers. The blower install and transmission get along fine; that's not always the case as many aftermarket superchargers throw off engine management systems and transmissions with uneven power delivery, or with jerky up or downshifts. Not so in this rig. The power curve is strong and linear.
Need to pass on a hill? You can control the six-speed automatic with its manual mode, or summon up 3rd gear and strong power with the throttle pedal. Considering that this rig weighs 3 tons, its acceleration is fierce yet manageable. It's only natural that the knobby off-road tires create a bit of noise on the highway, but it's not over the top, and the aggressive tires soon proved their worth on the 305 acres of trails, rutted hard pack, water and mud. Average trails could be traversed in 2WD High as the long travel, compliant suspension and beefy rubber were up to the job. When the going got tougher, 4WD High was usually all that was needed; we also experimented with the Raptor's Off-Road mode and 4WD Low to see what they are about, but they were seldom needed. Hill descent was a wonderful bit of computerized magic; we pointed the Raptor's big face down some pretty aggressive inclines and let the hill descent system crab us down the hill in complete control, with no throttle or brake modulation required.
Who doesn't love water crossings? The Shelby Raptor certainly didn't mind them. There were a couple of instances where the front bumper was fully submerged, and the tires were walking on soft silt or on underwater sand, but the truck remained sure-footed and never failed to pull itself out of the muck. Naturally, there's power to spare, and the tallish ground clearance and impressive breakover angles keep the Raptor true to its off-roading mission.
What does all this power and beauty cost? The Raptor base price is $44,915 (including destination); fully loaded examples like our SuperCrew run more like $52,000. Add to that the "Shelbification" cost of $17,995, plus the optional Shelby wheels and Goodrich mud-terrain tires, and you're talking more than $70,000 for the whole package. Is it worth that? That's up to you. More important (to us, at least) is that this truck feels factory engineered at every level, effortlessly absorbing everything we could throw at it, with nary a burp or hiccup along the way. It is well-built and well done.
Comments
WHOOPTEEE FRICKIN DOOOO!! We have the umpteenth article on the MONEY GRABBING LOOK AT ME FORD CRAPTOR. To top it all off they want 18 grand more for this turd??!! No worries though. I am sure that they will find ENOUGH RABID KOOL AID DRIKING FORD GIRLY GIRLS TO BUY IT!!!
Michigan Bob
The Legend
It's my Birthday today....lol
Wheres the article on the Ram 1500 Hemi 8 speed?
It doesn't look like a 2013 to me. That is a 2012 or earlier interior because of the old center stack. It's stupid that they are using a 2012 and calling it a 2013 SR.
PUTC did the Hemi 8 speed quick drive.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/03/quick-drive-traffic-jam-in-a-ram-1500.html
Then it went up in a fire before another test could be performed and Ram hasn't replaced it with another test model apparently.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/03/texas-journalist-watches-ram-longhorn-burn.html
They did test a Hemi 8 speed again for the shootout so just wait.
Boring....
Ahhhhhh this is sweet. Not digging the stickers.
@ FRANK
YOU WOULD LIKE THIS TRUCK. AS YOU WOULD SAY IT LOOKS EFFEN GAY.
GUTS
GLORY
THE RAPTOR HAS NOTHING ON THE SUPER MAN RAM OR ANY RAM FOR THAT MATTER
100% AMAZING
HIGH QUALITY
LOVED BY THE MASSES
RAM
Boring, I'll take a Ram, much higher quality.
Boring, I'll take a Ram, much higher quality.
Posted by: FordTrucks77 | Jun 6, 2013 11:51:42 AM
AT LEAST ONE FORD MAN HAS THE RIGHT OPINION!!
GUTS
GLORY
TAKING OVER THE TRUCK WORLD
RAM
So, $18,000 for wheels, tires, a supercharger, and garish vinyl graphics. Nice to know that even with the ol' moneygrubber 6' under they are carrying on his tradition. Oh, forgot the dash plaque!
FREAKIN ENOUGH!!!!!!!! STOP POSTING SHI* UNDER MY NAME YOU FUC$%^* JACK-OFF LOSER! IF I WANTED SHI* FROM YOU OR YOUR LAME MORON IDIOTIC OPINION I WOULD ASK FOR IT. STOP THE FREAKIN GAMES. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THE CHILDISH CRAP THAT YOU STUPID IDIOTS POST ON HERE! YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF LAME FAN BOYS. YOU GOT IT??? IF NOT WE CAN GO BACK TO KINDERGARTEN AND PLAY IN THE SANDBOX AGAIN WHICH MOST YOU HAVE PROBABLY FAILED! CUT THE CRAP!!!!
I would look forward to seeing one but hell considering how much they cost I doubt I will cross one.
@Mark Williams
How do they stack up against a Supercharged Tundra in terms of speed as I never considered a Raptor fast off the line or passing maneuvers and that's with the 6.2L?
@MichiganBob You are the biggest jerk on here besides hemorroid V8 boy. Stop the jeolousy. GM doesn't make anything to even compare to the Ford F-series especially this Raptor! Do they even make a truck???? Maybe by the time they pay back the money they owe me they can afford to hire an engineering department and actually make something that resembles a truck! Your comments just prove exactly how stupid you are!!!
At last the wait is over for this truck! Looks like I WILL be buying a RAM next. :(
Anyone using my name to bash RAM is not the real me!
This just in? Do you suffer from arrested development? Short member syndrome? Really, well you are in luck, if the typical manly man truck just doesnt do it as you shout and proclaim your "short"comings to the world we can help. For the measly sum of 18k dollars we can give you some sick stickerzzzz and a shiny supercharger to eliminate any doubt those around you might have about just how low your self esteem is.
Make those other hacks in the parking lot green with envy as you romp over those curbs in style and with power to spare because nothing screams small pen..... ermmmm I mean TESTOSTERONE AND MANLINESS like an 8000lbs boat anchor with some vinyl decals and a supercharger. Get it now!!!
@michiganBob - "The Legend" WTF?
Legend of what?
- Vacuum sales?
- Big Mac stories?
- Of rusty old trucks?
- Dumb posts?
Back on topic - I'm sure that there are other aftermarket companies that can give you a SuperCharger, stickers, and wheels for less than 17,000.
looks like the estate of Carrol Shelby is screwing people in his name.
Sad.
wow this is a joke??
Michigan Bob - THE LEGEND TROLL.
At least the idiot got one thing right.
The black Raptor with the blue decal kit is rather sharp.
Wow. The comments section on this site is getting out of hand ridiculous. Sometimes there's useful posts, but lately they've been a trolling and flamefest.
There will be buyers of this.
The only real issue I have with this is the tacky graphics.
A $70 000 vehicle in the US would be equivalent to a $100 000 plus vehicle in Australia. Looks like a teenager was involved in the design.
They have stated they will revise the suspension, which to me indicates that they aren't happy with the current package, especially when you look at the power output figures I can see why.
The other issue I see is, your are selling a $20 000 vehicle for a lot of cash. I hope the fit and finish is improved and the quality of the material in the interior reflect the high price.
I'm a Ford fan and as someone who enjoys the Raptor I think it is a dumb package and the interior changees bring it down, not up. Bigger stickers - why would I want overpriced stickers on an off-road truck? The wheels are just different or uglier.
But it is not from Ford. It's a 3rd party aftermarket.
correction - i meant to say why would I want overpriced stickers of Shelby's name on an off-road truck?
i see the survey we filled out about 6 months ago has done nothing to effect the comments sections of articles. I always fear reading through the comments looking for something intelligent that the few people who actually have information care to add to the story.
My name is FordTRucks 77 and I have nothing better to do then to sit on the forum and Bash Ram, I'm just jealous really as I can't stand their to be a truck that's a heck of a lot better then my Ford.
Guts
Glory
Super power wagon > raptor
Ram!
All guts
All glory
Ram!
Michigan Bob - THE LEGEND TROLL.
At least the idiot got one thing right.
Posted by: Frank | Jun 6, 2013 1:37:58 PM
WRONG AGAIN FRANK!!! Some in here have referred to me as a legend for telling it like it is AND NOT MINCING MY WORDS!!! At least SOME PEOPLE APPRECIATE MY VIEWPOINTS, AND I APPRECIATE THEM IN RETURN!!! You are too DRUNK ON FORD KOOL-AID TO APPRECIATE OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS! You are making the Kool-Aid makers at Ford very proud. NOW GO AND DRINK BIG TALL GLASS OF STFU.
THE LEGEND OF THE TROLL CONTINUES!!!....
dont kid yourself michigan bob, frank does post with facts, and you are the legend of the troll,heheheheheh
@BitchagainBob - mincing words??? mince - to chop, grind, or cut into very small pieces.
That is true, you do that to logic and intelligence every time you post.
How is the greasy, oily, leaking and oozing, smelly, and hard to look at burger er truck that you drive er push er tow er and/or succumbing to oxidization (rust)?
We are better of with ripps supercharged ram runner.
LOL @ Frank and Cory:
2 FORD FANBOIS CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH!!!
I'll take a page out of Frank's book. Instead of saying out of the mouth of babes, shall we say: OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF DOLTS.
Let it be written.....let it be done!!!
@ Lou, I hold you to a bit higher standard than Frank and Cory. Don't make me change my opinion.
Pretty cool! That thing would be an absolute blast to drive.
@MichiganBob - how moving.......
No doubt Shelby will sell a fair number of these, as they appeal to a very loyal (and wealthy) core group of customers.
I want naturally aspirated V8s.
Give me that old Ram 2500 V10, or the 440 Wedge. A big old 460 Ford or a Chevy 454. Does that make me Old School?
I have a cure for all you guys who dream about supercharged V8s.
Go to Michigan on June 16 and listen to 42 Sprint Cup cars roll up to take the Green Flag for the start of the Quicken race.
You will be cured. If you have never heard that sound YOU NEED TO
the white blue is freakin hot
I'll take the sound of a straight piped 24 valve Cummins thank you very much!!
Cant believe GM and Ram are just letting Ford wipe the floor with them. The Raptor is in a class of its own. No wussy coil springs with the saddest looking set of rear sway bars. The end links on those sad looking things are pencil thin and hang way down below the axle. Yes, im talking about you Ram. Then theres Chevy, just catching up to Fords powerplants and coming out with a rebaked 2013 model that still sits way too low.
Yeap FORD is wipping the floor with gm and spam and still kicking more as@@ for leaving that dirty build up in the corners. So sad to be a gm fangirl and a ram spam #3 fangirl too. FORD has pushed you both in the corner and you have nothing to fight your way out. Talk all you want fangirls, FORD OWNS PICKUPS and owns you too!!!!!!
Ford definitely owns me, given the dismal resale value of the POS I have. I'm so upside down I have no choice but to keep it and keep fixing it.
Worst graphics package EVER!
Even the '70s are embarrassed by these colors and decals...
GUTS
GLORY
TOPS IN RESALE
SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY
100% SATISFACTION WITH OWNERS
RAM
@ bigman - and so do law enforcment and bylaw enforcement.
Childish, immature adults seem to have the need to take a great truck like the Cummins powered Ram and turn it into an abomination.
Straight pipes, massive lift kits, massive tires all for turning a perfectly good HD into a useless street queen for nothing more than personal gratification.
There is an inverse relationship between useless truck mods and one's manhood.
Your blog name is a prime example.
Thank you once again for proving my point.
@Lou - How is a big lifted truck with straight pipes any worse than a two-door sports car?
@Toycrusher - all depends if the sports car also has straight pipes and has been rendered useless by stupid modifications.
I might as well mention motorcycles. They are prone to the loud pipes mentality too.
I was replying to childish @biglittlewillyman and his lame posts.
At the end of the day, it is your money or your loan money to do what you see fit.
Freedom comes with responsibility.
If you want to mod and pipe your truck, rod, or ride - I'm fine with that as long as you are responsible enough not to piss off/annoy/endanger the rest of the world.
The comments to this entry are closed.