Until recently, the Ram 1500 TRX served as the most powerful series-production ICE half-ton pickup in Mexico, where it costs 2,479,900 pesos. That means $131,830 at current exchange rates, which is quite a bit more than what Ram is charging stateside for its off-road performance truck.
Ford can do better, though. Not only is the F-150 Raptor R more versatile off the beaten path, but it also costs a wee bit more. Marketed as the Lobo Raptor R in Mexico, the Predator-engined truck retails at 2,479,900 pesos or $135,650 at press time. Ford’s local division proudly describes it as being “la bestia mas fuerte de la galaxia” (the strongest beast in the galaxy), a description that might bring back memories of a ‘90s anime.
Founded in 1925 as the country’s first automobile company, Ford of Mexico waxes lyrical about the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that explains the R suffix of the Raptor R. From the forged steel crankshaft to forged aluminum pistons, a Raptor R-specific air intake system, and an oversized cooling system, this powerplant ticks all the right boxes. Gifted with a DOHC valvetrain, compared to SOHC for the Hellcat in the Ram 1500 TRX, the Predator makes 700 horsepower on the nose and lots of twist.
640 pound-feet (868 Nm) is – in no way, shape, or form – too little torque, but it’s not enough torque compared to the 6.2-liter Hellcat. The rival brand also packs a little more horsepower, and the Ram 1500 TRX also happens to be quicker in the quarter mile for a number of reasons. One of those being the 35-inch tires, compared to 37-inch units for the Raptor R.
Those reading these lines may be scratching their heads in regard to the truck’s name. Lobo is a market-specific moniker for certain versions of the F-150, a name introduced in the ‘90s for the XLT and higher grades. Lobo translates to Wolf, and Wolf Raptor R sounds pretty cool in its own right.
Joined at the hip to the now-discontinued Shelby GT500, the Raptor R doesn’t feature the Mustang’s dual-clutch transmission. It’s rocking the 10R torque-converter automatic we all know and love, although it’s appropriately modified for this application. The dual-clutch transmission isn’t compatible with the Raptor R either because the TR-9070 in the strip-slaying Mustang Shelby GT500 was designed for rear-drive application.
A heavy-duty rear output assembly with PTFE washers and four-pinion gear carrier differentiates the Raptor R version of the 10R80 from those used in lesser trucks. Updates further include a 260-millimeter torque converter, a heavy-duty turbine damper, and unique software calibration.
Similar to the TRX, the Raptor R isn’t exactly frugal. According to EPA testing, the most you can expect from the most badass F-150 around is 10 miles per gallon (just under 23.6 liters per 100 kilometers) in the urban jungle, 15 (15.7) on the highway, and 12 (19.6) on the combined cycle.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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