Automotive

Shelby Raptor shapes as the ultimate off-road truck... for a lucky few

Shelby Raptor shapes as the ultimate off-road truck... for a lucky few
The Shelby Raptor builds on the base of the already-tough Ford Raptor
The Shelby Raptor builds on the base of the already-tough Ford Raptor
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Under the hood of the Shelby American Raptor
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Under the hood of the Shelby American Raptor 
The Shelby Raptor builds on the base of the already-tough Ford Raptor
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The Shelby Raptor builds on the base of the already-tough Ford Raptor
Inside the Shelby Raptor
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Inside the Shelby Raptor 
The Raptor has two-stage shock absorbers
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The Raptor has two-stage shock absorbers 
The Shelby Raptor rides on bigger wheels and tires
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The Shelby Raptor rides on bigger wheels and tires 
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Ford would argue the F-150 Raptor is the roughest, toughest production truck available on (and off) the road. Shelby American would beg to differ. The new Shelby Raptor builds on the base Raptor with more power, better off-road capability and tougher looks – but you'll need to get in quickly, with a production run of just 500.

Power in the Shelby Raptor has been treated to a handy boost, jumping from 450 hp (336 kW) to a whopping 525 hp (391 kW). Torque also gets a handy boost from 510 lb-ft (690 Nm) to 610 lb-ft (827 Nm). The standard Raptor isn't slow, hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in just over five seconds, so expect the cars with the Shelby upgrades to dip into four-second territory.

There's more to the upgrade than just a power boost, although that would probably be enough for plenty of people. A new two-stage shock setup pairs with bigger wheels and tires for better off-road performance, while the exterior has been specced up with new stickers and a light bar. Inside, there are some extra red highlights on the seats to set the Shelby Raptor apart from regular Fords.

The Raptor has two-stage shock absorbers
The Raptor has two-stage shock absorbers 

"While the Raptor is an amazing truck right from Ford, we reimagined it for those who asked Shelby for an even more extreme version," says Gary Patterson, Shelby American President. "The Shelby Raptor is harder edged, with more grunt and handling capability. We added adjustable shocks so the driver can even tailor their ride. This truck was designed and tested for those who seek maximum adventure both on and off the road."

It doesn't sound like all that much, but you'll certainly pay for the privilege. The Shelby Raptor costs a whopping US$117,460 compared to $68,165 for the regular Ford model. Just 500 will be available, making it a seriously rare beast. Buyers can go directly through Shelby American for their truck, or have their existing vehicle brought up to spec.

Source: Shelby American

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