We’ve been enamored with the F-150 SVT Raptor ever since Ford unveiled the truck nearly two years ago. The off-road capability, toughness, and all-round bad-ass-ness quickly made the Raptor a C/D favorite. It’s clear we weren’t the only ones, as Ford claims that Raptors stay on dealer forecourts for a quarter of the time standard F-150s linger—just 11 days, compared to more than a month for Ford’s lesser trucks. For 2011, Ford is expanding the Raptor’s appeal by adding a four-door SuperCrew model to the mix.
The SuperCrew layout grows the Raptor’s wheelbase by 11.9 inches and overall length by 11.5. As well as the addition of two front-hinged, full-size doors—as opposed to the existing SuperCab truck’s rear-hinged half-doors—the extension provides 10.1 inches more legroom for those seated in the second row. The box length remains 67 inches.
Curb weight for the Raptor SuperCrew is pegged at 6200 pounds, up about 200 from the Raptor SuperCab. Payload capacity grows 100 pounds to 1030, and the maximum tow rating jumps from 6000 to 8000 pounds. SuperCrew models also receive a 36-gallon fuel tank, versus the 26-gallon unit in two-(full-)door trucks.
Both models continue to employ the same beefy brakes and 17-inch wheels shod in 35-inch off-road tires as the 2010 truck. The SuperCrew offers the same 11.2-inch front and 12.1-inch rear suspension travel, and the chassis setup is reportedly identical to the SuperCab’s. While the payload and towing-capacity increases will be attractive to users who don’t plan on using the Raptor in its intended environment, hard-core off-roaders will note that the wheelbase stretch decreases the Raptor SuperCrew’s breakover angle, making the four-door less capable than the original configuration.
Thanks to: Car and Driver