Even before a new vehicle is released, the company behind it asks, “What’s next?” It starts thinking about the upcoming model’s limitations and how it can push past them with the next generation. Clearly, when Shelby American looked at the Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R, and asked that question, the answer it came up with was, “More.” Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, explained what exactly that means by giving us an up-close look at a 2024 Baja Raptor R, one of the two models in the company’s new Baja Raptor lineup.
Both the $61,995 EcoBoost package for the V6-powered Raptor and the $64,995 Raptor R package for the supercharged V8 model add a comprehensive array of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. Exterior modifications include flat black steel bumpers, a 30-inch front LED light bar, a Shelby by BDS suspension lift, a unique vented hood, and a chase rack that serves as the base for a power-adjustable 50-inch LED light bar and holds two full-size spares that match the 18-inch Shelby wheels and 37-inch mud terrain tires under the truck. Inside, Shelby American recovers the seats with different leather and microfiber, red accents, and special embroidery; installs billet racing pedals; and lays down embroidered floor mats. Of course, it also makes clear that the Baja Raptor is not your regular pickup with a serialized dash plaque.
The biggest different between the two options is – you guessed it – power. The EcoBoost package makes the V6 Raptor more ferocious, upping its output to 550 horsepower with a performance intercooler, intake tube, and intake with a high-flow filter. There are two levels to the Raptor R upgrade: The first adds a Shelby-tuned Borla exhaust but leaves output at 720 horsepower. The second level gets you a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger that helps the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 crank out a bonkers 900-plus horsepower and adds $9,995 to the price tag.
What’s next? Watching the video below. It starts off with Patterson taking us through some of the Baja Raptor R’s highlights at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction. Then I ask him some questions about its development, performance, and sales network.
