Exclusive: Ford SVT To Build SuperCrew Raptor

[KaiserM715]

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/04/exclusive-ford-svt-to-build-supercrew-raptor.html

Personally, I think this is bad idea. I know they will sell some, but it misses the point of what the Raptor is and the benefits it gains from a shorter wheelbase. Plus, the legroom in the current super cab is sufficient for 85+% of the population.

But to each their own....

 

[bstoner59]

I think it will open it up to a lot more buyers...not the type that will use it as an offroader but I'm sure they are going to swell the crap out of them. Heck I might even buy one!!

 

[SVTRay]

It looks cool for sure and maybe even a little tempting but I'm going to have to stick with the regular Raptor.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Yes, the image above is an illustration created deep within the ****** of the Straightline Photoshop central. That doesn't mean it's not true though.

Riding a wave of surprising popularity with its desert-running, shrubbery-crushing, mail-box-destroying Raptor pickup, the boys at Ford SVT will soon reveal a SuperCrew version, with four full-size doors. To this point, the Raptor has been available in only SuperCab form, the name for the extended-cab with the little demi-doors (yes, Ford's nomenclature for these things is SuperStupid). We expect that the SuperCrew version will go on sale this year for a small price premium over the SuperCab version but to be carry the same suspension and power train goodies.

Anyway, we've seen driving around Dearborn a completely blacked-out Raptor with the with black cladding on it's nose and flanks and a cobbled-up bed cap. It was either the truck in question or is a failed Department of Defense experiment in stealth vehicles. And no, we didn't get our camera phone out quickly enough to capture it. For the record, a Ford PR guy we know said of the vehicle: "We do not comment on future product."

The company has just launched its new 6.2-liter V8 in the Raptor, something that was part of the plan from the beginning of the program. But the near-term availability of second body configuration is unusual for such a specialty product and indicates that the program has been a real, and might we add justified, success.

 

[NoCaDiver]

My wife doesn't like it....nuff said.

I've been saying since the rumor started, the truck is too long. Hell mine barely fits in the garage. I guess it is a smart move by Ford: first they come out with the 5.4 SCab, then the 6.2 SCab, then the 6.2 SCrew. Same product line but different products. I am still happy with my lowly 5.4 SCab (my words) and think that it has plenty of room, the right length and enough go. Why they have to mess with the formula...referring to the SCrew not the 6.2.

 

[BigJ]

I like the idea. The Raptor, by design, is a runner built for the wide open washes. Why not a bit longer base? What will be the performance hit, in terms of that design goal in mind? I doubt there's much of a weight concern...

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Thanks for posting this Kaiser (what's your real name?).

This isn't news for some of us as we've known for some time that the SCrew version of the Raptor was in development.

It's good news (IMO) even though it's not for me. Any lengthening of the wheelbase is not a good thing for offroading (increased breakover angle and less manuverability will hurt this Raptor but it won't matter for most who don't take their trucks offroad). I'm just glad they built the Raptor in a SCab version instead of the regular cab like the Lightning ("RCab" doesn't work as well as "SCrew" and "SCab" ). I'm not sure I would've purchased a regular cab version and I give credit for Ford for building the SCab especially given the stress on the truck's chassis and cab - the suicide rear door design didn't make things any easier for the engineers that's for sure.

I think the SCrew version is good news for us Raptor owners and fans. It hopefully means the life of the Raptor brand will be longer than it could have been what with another variation coming out in Year 2. With a longer lifespan come benefits for us including:

* More options and advances that current owners can hopefully take advanage of as these items can "trickle down" to us (mods!)
* More products offered by Ford Racing (mods!) - well, I can dream can't I?
* More Raptor sales means more units on the roads. More units means more interest by the aftermarket. More aftermarket interest means more products (mods!) for us
* More Raptor sales means more Raptor owners = more members here at SVToffroad.com and more participants in our get-togethers and Raptor Runs

I believe the Raptor has taken some sales of the F-150 (cannibalized some pickup truck sales) away from Ford but it's also increased their full-size truck sales which is very important to Ford and its dealer network. Full-size trucks equal profit for Ford (and the dealers) which is good and very necessary for them. It enables them to pay for the development and improvement of their cars especially their small cars in their lineup. Certainly Raptor sales have taken potential buyers away from Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan and that's good news for Ford too. Having the SCrew version will only extend Ford's reach into this potential buyer pool.

Let's hope this means the Raptor will have a longer lifespan as it's better for us owners and fans.

 

[SOCOMech]

Yeah, no big surprise here but, at least those who have been screaming for one have a little more hope now. Cool for Ford and future sales from it (fully loaded 6.2 CC pushing $55k ya think?) but I'm completely happy with a supercab. I don't think some people realize just how much room is really back there.

 

[shoepolishsmelling]

I will say that the Photoshop pic looks Sick but I don't think I would but one but ford is listening to it's consumers so that's a food thing

 

[frogslinger]

I will say that the Photoshop pic looks Sick but I don't think I would but one but ford is listening to it's consumers so that's a food thing

Little TOO much shoe polish this morning?