The take-no-prisoners member of the F-150 family gets even more for its fans to love in the coming year as the 2013 SVT Raptor will arrive offering a host of new options that cover all aspects of it ultra-bold personality.
Topping the new features list is the availability of the industry’s first direct-from-the-factory forged-aluminum conventional wheels that can be upgraded after purchase to extra-capable beadlock units. Beloved by hard-core off-roaders, these trick rims secure the inner edge of the tire bead between two surfaces, thereby allowing air pressure to be significantly reduced for added grip on tough trails without the danger of the tire rolling off the rim completely.
These new Raptor wheels are unique in that they can be easily converted from conventional to beadlock and back using a dedicated kit available through Ford Racing. It’s the first time this kind of dual-mode application has been marketed and Ford has filed for a patent on the system. Other new optional exterior enhancements for the 2013 SVT Raptor include HID headlamps and an earth-toned paint color dubbed "Terrain."
Inside, the 2013 SVT Raptor adds a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the standard SYNC/MyFord driver connect system. It also adds a new measure of connectivity with the availability of the full MyFord Touch package for trucks with the 8.0-inch center touch screen as well as larger button and rotator controls — with or without voice-activated navigation.
"Ford F-150 SVT Raptor’s popularity continues to grow based on its proven reputation," said Ford SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi. "It’s the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, so it’s critical that we continue to push the boundaries of off-road capability." Even without these new upgrades, sales of the 2012 Raptor continue on a tear and are up by 21 percent through May of this year.
