Ford was the first car manufacturer to bring the power to the people by introducing fast cheap cars. They were also the first to bring the power to the pickup drivers by launching the F150 Lightning Series. And the tradition continues as they are introducing a new 6.2 liter V8 engine developing 411 horsepower and 434 ft-lb of torque for the 2010 Raptor. So it’s very fast, everywhere!

This is basically the same engine they put in the 2011 Super Duty model, but it’s tweaked for more power and torque. They were so determined to make a high performance Raptor that they extensively tested it in the Baja 1000, plus a 62-mile loop designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team in the hellishly hot desert of Borrego Springs, California.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is now the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market. Pricing for the 6.2 liter Raptor starts form $41,995 including destination and delivery. Mind you already 3000 orders have been placed!

Features of the new 6.2-liter V-8 engine include:

Cast-iron engine block with bay-to-bay breathing and four-bolt main bearing caps with additional cross bolts for durability
Aluminum cylinder heads, with two valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion Single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain, which creates a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in better low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better engine breathing Dual-equal variable cam timing means intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions Core to the improvements is using a larger bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines from the past. The large bore (102 millimeters) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the shorter stroke (95 millimeters) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower. Still, peak horsepower is generated at a relatively modest 5,500 rpm. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

Crankcase breathing is also improved to reduce windage losses and oil aeration levels at very high speeds. “That really helps get a robust lubrication system for the engine,” Baldori said. “It allows us to endure a lot of time at extreme high speeds.”

The 6.2-liter-equipped F-150 SVT Raptor is now available at Ford dealers nationwide. There is tremendous demand for Raptor with the 6.2-liter engine – with sales rates three times that of the base F-150. Since announcing the 6.2-liter, more than 3,000 orders have been placed. MSRP for the 6.2-liter F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $41,995 including destination and delivery.