The 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
You may think of yourself as a “rugged outdoorsman” – or woman, for that matter – but who says you can’t hit the trails in style?
Ford is adding some significant new features to what is already one of the most lavishly equipped trail-ready trucks on the market, transforming the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor into what it modestly describes as the “ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck.”
Among other things, the Raptor’s new Special Edition package adds Brick Red seat bolsters with cloth honeycomb highlights, new accents on the center stack, distinctive Ruby Red Metallic exterior paint with box-side graphics and other niceties.
That’s on top of the HID headlamps, navi system, rearview camera, power-folding side mirrors and other features already in the Raptor Luxury Package.
The new definition of "roughing it"?
“Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today’s premium trucks,” explains Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Since its launch in 2009, we’ve continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet.”
One thing you can’t get on the 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, no matter what package you opt for, is the fuel-saving V-6 EcoBoost engine. The stock engine is Ford’s big 6.2-liter V-8 making 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.
But if you really need a bit more power to climb every mountain, ford every stream, you can always check out the Shelby version of the Raptor which was introduced at the New York Auto Show this month. It boosts the pony count up to a whipping 575.
Despite rising fuel prices, pickup truck sales have been surprisingly strong over the past year and there’s been especially significant demand for extreme machines like Raptor, sales for the most rugged version of the Ford F-150 reaching a record 13,000 in 2012. The maker clearly hopes to keep that momentum going.