Shelby and Ford teamed up to elevate the F-150 Raptor to true off-road pedigree with over 525 horses and a whole bunch of other reinforcements!
Shelby is a name that is quite familiar in the world of motorsports and tuning, putting America on the racing map with its incredible creations. If you’re a Ford v Ferrari fan or a Le Man’s fan, you’ll know that the company helped to co-create the legendary championship-winning race car, the GT40, helping it clinch the constructors’ title from 1966-1969. Since then, Shelby has been deeply involved with Ford, making hard-core versions of the Cobra, Mustang, and now the F-150 Raptor.
The current-gen Raptor is one of the most comprehensive pickup trucks on the market; it comes with some off-road equipment, such as five-link rear suspension with electronically controlled shocks, lengthened trailing arms, Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs. Moreover, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 450 hp and a 10-speed auto transmission help it haul through any terrain.
The wizards at Shelby, though, decided to crank it up a notch and turn it into a proper off-roader. Beginning with its front fascia, the most visible change involved swapping the stock grille with a more pompous unit with bold Shelby lettering and lighting inserts. Additionally, a more robust steel bumper improves the attack angle, complete with a skid plate, air vents, and a light strip with 30 individual LEDs.
Furthermore, Shelby switched the stock hood with a more muscular one, featuring end-to-end stripes and well-defined intake and extraction vents. Over to the sides, the Shelby F-150 Raptor sits even higher thanks to a BGS Suspension lift kit paired with 18-inch aluminum alloys and massive 37-inch BFG Mud-Terrain rubbers. At the rear, the Raptor is configured with a bed-rack system with full-size spare wheels on board in case of emergency.
To handle all the extra bits, Shelby raised the total output from 450 hp to a solid 525 hp. These upgrades were possible thanks to a performance intake with a high flow filter, an updated aluminum intercooler, and Shelby oversized air intake tubes.
The F-150 Raptor cabin, too, is flush with the Shelby flavors on the seat headrests, floor mats, and dashboard. Moreover, the stock foot controls soon gave way to a sublime set of Billet racing pedals that evoke a totally different set of feelings.
The upgrades are impressive, but they also come at a cost. Shelby charges $54,995 for the upgrades only – you’ll also need to own a 2021 or 2022 F-150 Raptor. You can also purchase a pre-built Shelby F-150 Raptor for $127,895 and up!
Gallery: Shelby F-150 Raptor
