2018 Ford Raptor: First Look

While at a recent media event at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, to drive , we had a bit of a surprise. Sitting among the blue and silver 2017 F-150 Raptors that Ford Performance brought to the event was a bright Race Red Raptor — a color we've never seen before on the off-roader; they all seem to be blue or silver. I asked whether this was something special and was nonchalantly informed that this was, in fact, a 2018 Raptor.

So, have a look, truck fans, at the latest version of Ford's go-anywhere-at-top-speed ultra-pickup. The changes for 2018 are few, relegated mostly to cosmetic tweaks and some new equipment, but then not much really needs to change on this factory-built race truck that you can take to the grocery store across the Grand Canyon.

The best way to identify a new '18 Raptor is by the tailgate. On base models, it's stamped with the F-150 moniker, but on mid-level and luxury trims it has a new all-caps FORD appliqué affixed as standard. The 2018 model also gets four new colors: Guard (green), Magma Red (burgundy), Stone Gray and Lead Foot. The new Raptor will not get the new grille, headlights and taillights the rest of the 2018 F-150 lineup will sport and since the Raptor already has a unique front and rear end, we guess Ford decided it didn't need a freshening yet.

Inside, there's only one big new development for 2018: the addition of the B&O Play premium audio from Bang & Olufsen. It includes a new speaker on top of the dash, front and center, and I can attest that after a brief drive in the '18, the system truly sounds fantastic.

Check out the gallery of 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor photos below, and stay tuned for a First Drive of the 2018 Ford F-150 that's coming soon.

Cars.com photos by Aaron Bragman