2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition

When Ford unveiled the F-150 SVT Raptor  in 2010, it made a machine that few could have ever imagined. This pickup was not only a performer on the road, like its SVT Lightning predecessor, but it was also extremely capable off of the beaten path. Since its debut, we have seen a few updates, with the biggest being the dropping of the 5.4-liter base engine in favor of a 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8.
Now with 2014 model year vehicles rolling out, we have been waiting to see what the new SVT Raptor has to offer. Well, the wait is officially over, as Ford has just revealed the 2014 Raptor lineup with the unveiling of the 2014 F-150  SVT Raptor Special Edition yesterday during the Motor Press Guild Luncheon.
The big question mark is whether the 2014 model year will include any changes or if the SVT Raptor will retain its current form, plus this special edition.

Exterior

On the exterior of the 2014 SVT Raptor Special Edition, you start off with all of the base Raptor’s equipment, plus all that the Raptor Luxury Package adds in, which includes only HID headlights. The only real outward difference between this and the base model Raptor with the Luxury Package is a new color – Ruby Red Metallic – and the new decals down the side of the bed. You can also opt for the already-available Tuxedo Black Metallic exterior hue.
We were definitely hoping for a few more changes to the Raptor Special Edition, but Ford chose to simply touch it up a little, which explains it being released with little fanfare.

Interior

On the inside, there are a few more blink-and-you’ll-miss-them upgrades. The most noticeable of these minor updates are the Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and honeycomb-cloth highlights that all help add more depth to the interior. you also get matte-gray appliques on the center console topper, the center stack bezel and the door panel inserts, adding a little more class to the this aggressive pickup.
On top of those updates, you also get the optional equipment that the Raptor Luxury Package offers up, including:

• 10-way power front seats with memory feature
• Dual electronic temperature control
• Power-adjustable pedals with memory feature
• Rear view camera
• Remote start system
• Sony Audio System with single-CD and HD Radio
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Universal garage door opener
• Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• HID headlamps
• SYNC with MyFord Touch and SYNC Services
• Navigation System with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link

Drivetrain

We were really looking forward to a few updates to the SVT Raptor’s drivetrain with this new Special Edition model, but we were greeted with the same setup. This includes a 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant with 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift technology.
Four-wheel drive is, of course, a standard feature, as is 4.10 gearing.
We would love to see some updates in the mechanics, but the current driveline is competent and balanced for on- and off-road performance. Sure, it’s no barn-burner with its 7.1-second 0-to-60 mph time, but the total package is the real deal. Remember, Ford never intended the SVT Raptor to perform on the road like the discontinued Lightning or the long-gone Ram 1500 SRT8.
Drivetrain Specifications

Engine	6.2-Liter V-8
Horsepower	411 at 5,500
Torque (pound-feet)	434 at 4,500
Transmission	6-Speed Electronic Automatic
Gear Ratio	4.10-to-1
Acceleration (0-60 mph)	7.1 Sec

Price and Release Date
Ford has yet to reveal pricing for the 2014 SVT Raptor Special Edition, however, we do know that it will hit showrooms in the fall of 2013.

Competition

There’s really not too much in terms of “competition” for the SVT Raptor, though Ram is thinking about developing one.
2013 Bowler EXR S 

The Bowler EXR S is what we would call a fringe competitor to the F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition. It’s fringe because it is not produced en mass, it’s priced well over $200k, it’s an SUV and it’s a rally machine modified to handle the road. The Bowler crushes the Raptor in horsepower with its 550-horsepower V-8 that it borrows from the Range Rover sport. This powerful engine also cranks out a stunning 700 pound-feet of torque, which weighs heavily in it getting to 60 mph in only 4.2 seconds.
It’s a little unfair of a match when you compare them in factory-tuned state, but when you consider that you could seriously tune the Raptor and still have less money into it than the Bowler would cost you, you can make a case for the Raptor.