As most Ford fans are well aware by now, the V8Ā will be making a triumphant comebackĀ in Fordās hardcore off-road-focused pickup later this year when the F-150 Raptor R comes to fruition packing the supercharged Predator from theĀ Shelby GT500. That idea obviously excites a lot of folks, including a pair of artists āĀ Ash Thorp and Carlos Pecino, who have been collaborating on a series of projects they call āMake Haste Corp.ā The latest fruit of this partnership is a wicked-looking F-150 Raptor R race truck that takes inspiration from the real-lifeĀ Bronco DRĀ racer.
Throp and Pecinoās version of the F-150 Raptor R goes full pre-runner/trophy truck with a host of modifications on the outside, including an ultra-wide body with a totally custom front end containing a thin tubular bumper, a large skid plate, and LED lighting both in the grille and above the windshield. The ultra-wide body covers a set of smooth black wheels wrapped with meaty BFGoodrich rubber, giving this Raptor a stance thatās every bit as menacing as its overall appearance.
There are plenty of features here that scream ārace track,ā including the full roll cage, deleted tailgate, heavily modified hood, side exhaust, and lots of exposed, hardcore suspension bits and pieces. Air intakes located throughout the body are intended to provide cooling for the brakes and powerplant, while thereās a fuel cell out back intended to hold up to the rigors of off-roading. The result is a series of renderings depicting a truck that looks like it could very well be real, and yet, itās also deeply rooted in fantasy.
Thorp actually owns a second-gen F-150 Raptor, and admittedly loves that truck, which served as the inspiration for this build, along with the Bronco DR andĀ Ken Blockās own trophy truck. But to us, his concept of what an F-150 Raptor R racer might look like is way cooler. Now, we just need him or someone else to actually build it.
Photos:Ā Ash Thorp and Carlos Pecino
Source: Ford Truck Enthusiasts