Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Supercab Snags Award; New Supercrew Headed To Dealers Soon - VIDEO ENHANCED

F-150 SVT Raptor raised the bar for high-speed off-road performance trucks by adding a SuperCrew option and more standard power and towing capability for 2011. More than 2,700 orders have been placed for Raptor with the SuperCrew option

SEE ALSO: Ford Buyers Guide

LOS ANGELES - December 9, 2010: The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been awarded Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine. This is the 10th award for the off-road performance truck that has been a huge hit since its debut last year.

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

“Ford’s Special Vehicle Team is immensely proud of this coveted award and is excited to bring the 2011 F-150 Raptor SuperCrew to market,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development.

Vehicles were judged during a rigorous weeklong 1,000-mile competition in Southern California. Testing included environments such as mountain trails, desert sand dunes, stream crossings and Interstates. Terrain varied in elevation from sea level to mountains in excess of 8,000 feet.

“Raptor is every four-wheel-drive enthusiast’s dream of what a factory pickup truck should be,” said Douglas McColloch, Four Wheeler editor. “Straight off the showroom floor, Raptor comes equipped with all manner of premium performance parts that are designed for extreme off-pavement forays – be it rock crawling, mud bogging or desert racing. The Raptor undertakes these tasks without compromising the F-150 platform’s class-leading ride and handling characteristics on pavement. It inspires confidence in the dirt and delivers serenity on the street.

Click PLAY to watch video of the F-150 SVT Raptor

“All told,” McColloch added, “the Raptor 6.2 is a joy to drive, and a very deserving winner of our Pickup Truck of the Year competition.”

Since Raptor’s debut, customers have been asking for a SuperCrew version. They wanted even more utility added to its already impressive performance credentials. For 2011, Ford has answered the call with the introduction of the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew. Customers have responded, with more than 2,700 orders placed for Raptor with the SuperCrew option.

More capability, more technology
For 2011, the 6.2-liter V8 producing 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque comes standard. A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck. Upgraded content also includes a standard 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen and SelectShift Automatic™ transmission.

Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic. A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics run along the hood.

The F-150 SVT Raptor was designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, and it’s also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.