First Drive: Ford SVT Raptor
The SVT Raptor may just be the quintessential man mobile.
One look at the monster machine; gleaming in neon orange paint, giant tear graphics down the side, huge wheels and Fox Racing shocks peering out from under the huge flared fenders and you realize it’s the perfect car for… well no one really.
The wife would hate it, the neighbors would find it annoying and even high school boys would question the size of your privates, but none of that matters. The only thing that does is the feeling you get behind the wheel.
From the moment you climb into the cabin the Raptor’s orange interior, toggle switches and black hood vents hint at the fun of things to come.
This is the kind of car that would have saved lives in Jurassic Park, the kind of car you take tailgating with the college buddies. It’s the kind of car that should list a gun rack as an optional factory accessory, and it’s the kind of car that gets attention.
But above all it makes you feel like a kid whenever you drive it. Behind the wheel you’re the coolest kid on the block, especially when a minivan driver stares up at you with a small tear in his eye.
So it’s the perfect man mobile right? Um… no.
When you put your foot down, the fun stops.
You hear a loud unpleasant noise and the whole thing starts to go forward in no particular hurry. I found myself asking if the thing was broken, or maybe just needed a tune-up, but surely it had more power right? Tell me the truck with the coolest name in recent memory has more get-up-and-go.
Unfortunately it didn’t. All the dramatic styling and moments of childhood reminiscing were washed away as we meandered along the road. Eventually the Raptor did get up to speed, but the acceleration left me wanting so much more. I was expecting a Mustang with big wheels; I got a Focus with a bright paint job.
The culprit was the 5.4L V8 found in the regular F-150, putting out a measly 320 hp and 390 ft.-Ib. of torque. This is in a truck with all the same guts as the regular F-150 plus big tires, and other trim and racing pieces. More weight and the same engine doesn’t equate to a faster truck. Ford says a beefier 6.2L will be available sometime next year.
I was expecting a Mustang with big wheels; I got a Focus with a bright paint job.
On road the Raptor was a beast to drive, thanks in part to the huge squishy tires. The steering was heavy and vague and bucked you around on every sharp turn.
On the inside things were going better. The SYNC system was keeping me entertained, the seats were comfortable, and everything was well laid out. The toggle switches for user-added accessories was a brilliant addition, as it keeps the new owner from having to drill into the vehicle. Plus it’s just downright cool.
I hate to pass total judgment on the Raptor just yet; after all we spent no time off road. And I imagine that’s where it will excel. With about 12 usable inches of travel in the suspension and internal bypass FOX Racing Shox it probably does well.
But on road it’s just not good. So I’m telling my inner 12-year-old to wait. With a bigger V8 and some off road time the SVT Raptor may be a winner. If you’re looking for any on-road practicality don’t bother. If you need to impress the ladies and run from dinosaurs now the starting price is just under $40,000.
The 0-60
Car: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor
Engine: 5.4L 3V Triton V-8
0-60: Low eights according to Ford
Horsepower: 320 hp at 5,000 rpm
Torque: 390 ft.-lb. at 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic overdrive with Tow Haul Mode
Fuel Economy: 14 city / 18 highway mpg
Ford says: The 6.2L available next year will have an estimated 400 hp and 400 ft.-lb. The only way this truck is going green is with a lizard paint job.
In the interest of fairness, the author of this article worked at Ford summer 2009.
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