The F-150 Raptor R, which is propelled by the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 dubbed the Predator by the Dearborn-based carmaker, is appropriately referred to as the Shelby GT650 of pickup trucks. Ford may have released an upgraded Shelby GT650 that would have felt at home tearing across dunes alongside the F-150 Raptor R if there had been a demand for such a car.
Oscar Vargas, also known as WB Artist20, is a pixel artist who created the design study you’re looking at. Oscar declared, “The world and SEMA Show need an S650-based Mustang Raptor R.” Many thanks to my friend Stewart Webb, who was instrumental in making this one happen!
The front grille and decklid panel of the digital pony are shown with writing that is inspired by Raptors. It also has quad tailpipes and a small trailer hitch receiver. Three marker lights have also been incorporated by Oscar into the front grille in line with the Raptor’s visual aesthetic. The plastic flares that cover the large rubber shoes and the six-lug wheels dominate the sides, while the front additionally has a few tow hooks.
The seventh-generation Mustang, codenamed S650 by Ford Motor Company, would go on sale the following year for the 2024 model year and include a much enhanced 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo as the base engine. In contrast to the single 87-millimeter throttle body used by the Shelby GT350 and the departed Mach 1, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 features two throttle bodies that measure 80 millimeters apiece.
The Dark Horse wants to reach 500 horsepower with this same engine. The Shelby GT500, which sits at the top of the lineup, is anticipated to return with the S550’s dual-clutch gearbox and 5.2-liter Predator V8. Given that durability is more crucial than zero to 60 mph off the beaten road, the F-150 Raptor R has a torque-converter automatic with heavy-duty components.
Photo: wb.artist20
