Well, this is a long one! If you don't like it, scroll now, and forever hold your peace.
Wasn't sure how I felt about it when I first seen it. Which says a lot when I think back to how I felt when I saw the first Raptor. Pitched my tent immediately. I couldn't sleep, couldn't stop googling to hoard away more photo's into the Raptor **** folder.
That said, part of that I would attribute to the fact that when it first came out, nothing like it existed. Of course it was going to have significantly more impact. It's been out for years now, so instead of that slap in the face wtf is this beast.... I was instead left with the.. "hmm".... "I'm not sure yet."
I do think it's a fantastic looking truck. Even if it didn't hit me the same way the first one did. How could it? I will say, I do think that it is a bit of a disappointment that it isn't more noticeably distinguishable from the other F-150's. I think this is a common error manufacturers love to repeat (saves money on manufacturing costs, I get it) but you get these special performance versions of vehicles... that minus a few plastic pieces and stickers and other bits of junk.. are basically the same appearance wise as the non performance counterparts... which can really deflate the experience, especially when someone rolls up in the lesser model with the extra bits of plastic added... and it looks almost the same as yours for a fraction of the cost. Regardless of how different the performance is. It's annoying.
Now, obviously the Raptor has more going on than that. But you know what I'm talking about as far as appearance.
Ford has been wildly brave in their decisions the past few years, and have been vastly successful in doing so. They've been a definite leader in the industry. I'd like to see them set the bar even higher by making some of these performance vehicles REALLY stand out. Like to an extent that they really wouldn't even be associated with the base model vehicles, because there is just simply no mistaking them. Also do not want to see the new Raptor parts being interchangeable with non Raptor F-150's.
Look at the GT? It stands on it's own. It makes no excuses for what it is. How about some of that uniqueness trickling down to some of the more affordable performance models.
A huge part of the appeal is appearance/image. Lock it down tight. Maintain the exclusivity.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that they definitely messed up the vents all around. Especially on the hood. What is that crap? It's like a hood toupee. The hood vents were iconic for the first gen Raptor. The new hood vent makes me cringe. Honestly, I might be inclined to drape a table cloth over it when I have company and a paper bag at night.
Although I agree SVT sounded much better than FP.. That shouldn't be a deciding factor for anybody. And if it is, I am sure there are procedures to remove that stick.
I am curious as to the reasoning for the change? I haven't read up at all to be honest.
I do wonder if they are afraid anyone is going to forget who made the thing though? With the grille, the tailgate, and now SVT to FP.... I think we get it. It's a Toyota right?
I am still surprised to hear it's allegedly wider? Somehow it looks more narrow. Do the flares stick out from the rest of the body less than on the current gen? There's definitely some perspective play going on here. Love to see one up close and personal. I am sure it would be much more obvious/unmistakable in person.
I do think that overall the silhouette of the new Raptor looks absolutely beautiful all the way around. It's a stunner. And I dig the new rear exhaust look. In fact I think the entire rear end looks better hands down. And although I'm not a massive fan of the "Ford" tailgate. I also don't particularly find myself as offended as some. I'd be ok with it. I wouldn't be excited about it. I've always generally preferred to have as little branding/logos as possible. Nobody needs to be slapped in the face with it. We're not morans !
I don't care what the interior looks like as much as some people. I've never been one of those "the interior looks cheap" snobs. (not pointing any fingers ^ ^ ^) I don't think a new vehicle has ever been produced, and not been on the receiving end of that remark from "that guy" so I'll leave it to "that guy" to make sure it's known. - - People take for granted the creature comforts we are afFORDed these days. I am sure it will be just fine.
I care how it drives, performs, looks, and unfortunately... sounds.
One thing that has always stood out to me about Fords... is that I have always been able to know a ford was around, by the SOUND long before I ever laid eyes on it. Because I could hear all the best Fords coming a block or more away... Whether it was the purr of a v6 (Ok maybe not so much this one lol) , but the rumble of a v8, or the roar of a performance beast.
I don't like the sound of most 4 banger or v6s..... Losing the v8 rumble is a big loss for me. Spoon feeding me ridiculous sounds from a lesser engine via a ridiculous sound symposer is no substitute for the pure and heavenly joy of an inspiring v8 rumble. In fact, I find that practice to be offensive/silly.
It is what it is, don't put lipstick on it.
Improved performance is appreciated, lighter weight appreciated, better fuel efficiency I do happen to appreciate a lot too. Better tuning potential would be nice. But call me old fashion, I'd still prefer the grunty v8. Do I think it's a logical preference? Not by a long shot. I have no delusions of it being "better" technologically, or practically. But I still prefer it. That said.. A more fuel efficient Raptor.. means more fun for less... or running over a few more zombies before a refill (think of the companions you might lose, when your besty draws the short straw and has to jump out to fill the tank and gets gnawed on by the sneaky walker hiding around the corner )... More exciting police chases.. And best of all, when it comes time to convince wifey.... "But honey, it's more fuel efficient than a mini van!" Would really save the day for some folks. haha.
Bottom line. It makes sense, like it or not.
Somehow , to me, and maybe just me... the high-res photo's I've seen floating around look a lot more appealing than the photo's I've seen of the actual preprod. vehicle at the shows. I suspect that it has to do with the angle.. A lot of the show photo's are looking more downward, whereas the high-res seem to be looking up at it.
I'd say overall, it looks like another huge success for Ford. They've already sold the stubborn V8 guys their V8's. Many will trade-in for the newer/better. And many new customers will warm up to greener, but meaner version.
And it still stands to be the most badass and best looking truck offered on the market. So what's to complain about?
I'd love to have one, and hopefully I will. I still miss my big ol blue 2010 6.2L though.
And when the guys start picking up the new ecobeasts... they'll only have to listen to the gen 1 guys ragging about how it sounds at stop lights and parking lots.... because they'll be too far in the rear view to hear the whining or the v8 otherwise.
As much as I haaaaaate the trend of getting rid of v8's... It is what it is.
But if you're going to steal away the v8 rumble, you better make the sound system absolutely fantastic.
