As we learned when we first got behind the wheel of the 2018 Ford F-150, one of the big changes was the upgraded 5.0-liter V-8 gas engine; it received more power, a new port and a direct injection fuel system.
Although the smallish small-block V-8 will make 395 horsepower (up 10 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque (up 13 pounds-feet) at 4,500 rpm for 2018, it still might not have enough "oomph" for some Ford fans. So, Ford Performance teamed up with Roush Performance to come up with a factory supercharger kit. Once installed, the kit is reported to provide as much as 640 hp and 600 pounds-feet of torque to the F-150 engine. It will be available in early 2018 through Ford dealerships and anywhere Roush Performance parts are sold. The kit comes with a warranty when installed by Ford dealerships or Automotive Service Excellence-certified service technicians.
We first saw the kit at the recent 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, where Vaughn Gittin Jr. showed off his Ford F-150 RTR Muscle Truck at the outside drifting exhibition area. The pickup was equipped with the new Ford supercharger kit, the upgraded 5.0-liter V-8 and the 10-speed transmission along with a heavy-duty rear axle and long-travel suspension setup.
The F-150 RTR was designed to deal with the extra horsepower and jumping needs necessary to Gittin providing a good show or competing. His muscle truck was one of our favorites in the Ford booth because it was subtle and powerful, and could become a Ford special edition or heavy-duty F-150 trim level for those who need extra towing, hauling or desert-running capability.
Cars.com photos by Christian Lantry
