Jay Leno Takes on the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
In the realm of performance pickup trucks, enthusiasts have been treated to remarkable offerings in recent years. One standout contender has been the Ford F-150 Raptor, a stalwart in the segment for over a decade. This groundbreaking concept took the beloved F-150 and infused it with off-road prowess through upgraded suspension, beefy tires, and more.
Originally, the Raptor boasted a formidable V8 engine. However, Ford made the controversial decision to transition the performance truck to exclusively feature the 3.5L EcoBoost combination. While the V6 had its merits, many performance enthusiasts couldn’t fully embrace the fact that a truck designed to embody the essence of a powerful American machine no longer came equipped with a V8.
Those who have followed the Raptor’s timeline are now aware that Ford has returned to the idea of a thunderous V8 engine. Not only that but the introduction of the 2023 Ford Raptor R raises the bar further with a supercharged V8 delivering a staggering 700 horsepower. This departure from the previous direction taken by the brand may be attributed to the competition presented by the 702-horsepower Ram TRX, but the reasons behind it are a matter of speculation.
The important part of this story is that we now have access to yet another truck that lays out a stupid amount of horsepower.
This time, we have the privilege of exploring the Raptor R up close and personal, guided by the highly knowledgeable Jay Leno. As expected from Jay Leno’s Garage, we are taken on a comprehensive tour that unravels the secrets and unique features that make this truck truly special.
During our informative and entertaining ride, we not only gain valuable insights but also witness the power of the Raptor R firsthand. Our host seizes the opportunity to unleash the truck’s potential, giving us a taste of its impressive throttle response in the process.