Ford unveils F-150 Raptor SuperCrew

If there's one thing American motorists like, it's Ford's F-Series trucks – it's been the best-selling vehicle in the US for the last 28 years and the best-selling truck for the last 33 years! And now the hard-charging new-generation F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (four-door) variant has made its production debut at the Detroit motor show, much to the joy of rednecks everywhere.

Due for release in the USA later in 2016, the F-150 Raptor crew cab is more extreme than regular F-150 utes by virtue of a more powerful engine, jacked-up suspension, an all-new 10-speed automatic gearbox and even an optional Torsen front differential designed to improve off-road traction.

Ford calls the F-150 Raptor the "ultimate high-performance off-road pickup" and although it ditches its 6.2-litre V8 (300kW/590Nm) for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, the new model is expected to deliver more power, more effectively.

Although the Blue Oval has not revealed engine output yet, the 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 originally developed for the F-Series trucks is being prepped for the Ford GT supercar, pumping out 450kW, well above the previous Raptor's 300kW.

Consider that some F-Series trucks already push out 270kW and 570Nm from the same 3.5 V6 (and also offer a smaller 2.7-litre turbo V6) and the Raptor could be looking at 350kW and 600Nm.

All that power and torque will be transferred to a new four-wheel drive setup via the 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring a torque-on-demand transfer case. According to Ford, power is transferred between the front and rear axles when needed and a "mechanical-locking four-wheel drive" function is also featured, presumably a locking centre diff.

Throw in a new 'Terrain Management System' that allows push-button adjustment of the 4WD system through various modes, including Street, Mud, Baja, Rock and Snow (which also affect the anti-lock braking and stability control systems) plus BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, and the F-150 Raptor could well live up to the hype as the toughest ute ever made.

Due on sale in the USA later in 2016, their Autumn, the vehicle will also be available in Australia in early 2017 via specialist conversion company Harrison F-Trucks.

"We currently do about 30 Raptor conversions a year," Nic Harrison, dealer principal of Harrison F-Trucks told carsales.com.au last year.

"I would think we would have it [Raptor] available here late 2016 or early 2017, because the compliance takes time," he explained.

But it won't be cheap, the current F-150 Raptor selling for around $140,000 in Australia after being converted to right-hand drive.

On top of the downsized engine, the new Raptor is fitted with a tougher-looking exterior, complete with flared wheel arches, a bold front fascia, LED headlights and a prominent skid plate. Dual exhaust pipes and 17-inch alloy wheels also feature.

The extensive use of aluminium throughout the vehicle's frame has also shed a claimed 225kg of weight, and the interior has also been tizzied up with leather seats, steering wheel paddle shifters, and ceiling-mounted auxiliary override switches for aftermarket addons.

US pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to its domestic launch. The current F-150 spans US $26,000 to $58,000.