First Look: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew and SuperCab
As some of its , Ford is rolling out the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor with a new SuperCrew four-door cab configuration, offering a lot more space while making adjustments to keep the Baja-bred pickup highly off-road capable.
Both SuperCrew and SuperCab SVT Raptors will be powered solely by Ford’s new 6.2-liter V-8 engine (which debuted in the 2010 Raptor) that’s rated at 411 horsepower and 434 pounds-feet of torque, making it, in Ford’s words, “the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.” It has two valves and two spark plugs per cylinder, a cast-iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads. It also features a cast-iron crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and cast-aluminum pistons. Last year’s base 5.4-liter V-8 is no longer available.
Ford has improved the Raptor’s transmission as well, with features inherited from the 2011 F-Series Super Duty HD pickups. A manual shift function lets a driver operate the truck like it had a manual transmission. The driver can shift whenever needed, as long as it doesn’t over-rev the engine.
In addition to the large-displacement engine and updated gearbox, the SVT Raptor SuperCrew can tow up to 8,000 pounds – 2,000 pounds more than the SuperCab version – and it has a larger, 36-gallon gas tank, 10 gallons more than the SuperCab’s reservoir.
Compared with the typical F-150, the SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider, which improves stability for its high-flying off-road exploits. In addition, the SuperCrew’s 145-inch wheelbase is 12 inches longer to keep the ride comfortable when off-road, though a small penalty is paid with a less aggressive breakover angle.
“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”
An integral part of the Raptor’s off-pavement exploits are its exclusive front and rear triple-internal-bypass Fox Racing shock absorbers that provide 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either the SuperCab or SuperCrew. The SVT Raptor also gets unique cast-aluminum front lower control arms and forged steel uppers. Thirty-five-inch BF Goodrich LT315/70R17 all-terrain tires are at all four corners.
Both Raptor configurations come with a 5.5-foot cargo box. A new paint color, Ingot Silver Metallic, will be available in addition to Oxford White, Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black or Molten Orange.
Another new exterior feature is optional hood graphics (a la the 2010 Ram Power Wagon) that are inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos but also help to reduce glare in bright desert sunlight.
Inside the truck, Ford has taken the 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen from its F-Series Super Duty pickups and adapted it for off-road purposes. The screen will show info on off-road mode, hill descent, differential settings and stability control. It will also tell drivers the steering-wheel angle and the truck’s angle on a grade. Drivers will be able to toggle through screens using a button on the steering wheel.
Other new, standard tech features include:
• Perimeter alarm
• Integrated spotter mirror
• Auto up/down windows for driver and front passenger
• 110-volt inverter on center console
• Telescoping steering wheel (yes!)
Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 SVT Raptor today. It should arrive at dealerships late this year, Ford says. Ford has not yet announced pricing.
