For 2013, Ford has endowed the SVT Raptor with several features in hopes of building on the truck’s off-road performance.

SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi explained, “Ford F-150 SVT Raptor’s popularity continues to grow based on its proven reputation. It’s the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, so it’s critical that we continue to push the boundaries of off-road capability. New available beadlock wheels help to improve Raptor’s performance in soft sand and other challenging conditions, enabling our customers to go further.”

The new beadlock-capable wheels are among the most symbolic changes. As with high-performance tarmac use, traction is also an issue for off-road conquering as well. To improve traction, a common practice is to reduce air pressure, but this has the potential of separating the tire from the wheel. Traditional beadlock wheels reduce this tendency, but require the owner to buy new wheels.

Ford’s solution is to offer a “beadlock capable” setup, which requires the owner to buy and install a beadlock ring kit from Ford that enables a beadlock function without necessitating new wheels.

 “Raptor’s exclusive beadlock wheels give the customer the best of both on- and off-road worlds,” said Adam Wirth, SVT chassis engineer. “Tire inflation can be dropped to a very low threshold for maximum traction under extreme conditions, yet holds tight – and stays tight – when returning to the road.”

For 2013, SVT Raptor also adds a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the MyFord® driver connect technology, and available HID headlights. 

Other appointments include the addition of a front-mounted camera, and a new desert-inspired color exclusive to the Raptor (appropriately) called Terrain.

The 6.2 liter V8, producing 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque continues to be paired with an electronic 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly capability. The front Torsen LSD (with 4.10:1 gearing, matching the rear) from 2012 carries over, as do the FOX racing dampers. 

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