Word on the Street

BY MIKE SELF

The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

700 H P! N EW F O R D F -150 R AP T O R R M OST P OWE R FU L R AP T O R E VE R

ORD has unleashed the new

FF-150 Raptor R—the fastest, most powerful, most extreme high-performance off-road desert Raptor yet.

The heart of Raptor R is a new 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that delivers 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Raptor R delivers a 10-speed SelectShift transmission with improved calibration, and features a new front axle with a more robust, higher-strength carrier casting and an aluminumribbed structural cover to manage the powertrain’s added torque.

Raptor R expresses its additional power courtesy of a unique dual exhaust system with a true passthrough muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja.

The 5-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs. Advanced FOX Live Valve shocks are tuned to balance ride quality and roll control on- and off-road.

Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange accents include a unique “R” badge on the grille, power dome and tailgate. A special graphics package on the rear fenders feature a unique design that mirrors the harsh, cracked desert earth.

That aggressive feel carries over to a black interior. Standard Recaro seats sport a combination of black leather and Alcantara suede—cleverly placed for added grip when the terrain gets nasty.

Ordering for F-150 Raptor R is now open and production starts late 2022 at Dearborn Truck Plant.

TH E ALL- N EW 202 3 C H E VR O LE T CO LO R AD O TAKE S M I DSIZE TR U C K S TO TH E N E X T LE VE L

HEVROLET

Cintroduced the all-new 2023 Colorado, offering customers greater performance, capability and customization, plus a refreshed exterior and interior design.

The class-leading, standard 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment touchscreen is the centerpiece of the cabin and is accompanied by a segment-first standard 8-inch-diagonal fully digital color instrument display, both of which are customizable.

Leaning into the success from the current generation, the 2023 Colorado has a significant number of on- and off-road accessories available for any trim. In an effort to allow each customer to build their off-road dream truck, the off-road accessory portfolio has more than doubled from previous model years.

A 2.7L Turbo engine, proven in the full-size Silverado, is new for Colorado and powers all five models with three distinct output variants that exceed the output of the current model.

A second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission complements the new engine, with refinements designed to offer smoother shifting and quicker downshifts, for a feeling of greater comfort and power on demand.

The 2023 Colorado lineup arrives re-engineered with three distinct chassis setups to support everyday tasks and off-road adventures, without sacrificing off-road capability, or on-road comfort.

All models are built on a new chassis that gives the 2023 Colorado a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase than the current Crew Cab/short box model. A shortened front overhang that contributes to a more aggressive stance also significantly improves the truck’s approach angle.

The Trail Boss features a 2-inch lifted suspension and wide chassis that produce more ground clearance and a 3-inch wider front track than WT and LT for enhanced off-road driving capability. ZR2 is the most capable of them all, with a high-performance 3-inch lifted suspension and upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers.

To support the new Colorado’s increased off-road and trailering capabilities, up to five selectable drive modes, depending on the model, are offered. Each is tailored for different driving conditions, and they are accessible using a knob located on the center console.

Production for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors’ Wentzville, Missouri, assembly facility. Pricing and additional details will be released closer to the start of production.

NEW MAVERICK TREMOR OFF -ROAD PACK AGE REVEALED

ORD is expanding its compact truck

Flineup with the new 2023 Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package. The new Maverick Tremor is an entry-level option for buyers seeking greater off-road capability and bold styling in the same compact package that comfortably fits their daily life in the city while also supporting their outdoor passions. Maverick Tremor is available for XLT and Lariat series trucks.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the compact pickup builds on the FX4 Off-Road Package with an all-wheel-drive system new to Maverick. This advanced system includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature to allow greater off-road capability. Maverick Tremor also comes with exclusive Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road driving. The compact truck offers a maximum tow rating of 2,000 pounds and payload rating of 1,200 pounds so customers can hook up a trailer of dirt bikes or load up the bed with camping gear and fishing rods.

Maverick Tremor comes with a unique grille finish, plus blackedout Ford logos, headlamps and taillamps. The two front tow hooks get signature Tremor Orange accents. For an even bolder look, customers can select the available Tremor Appearance Package.

The bold design carries into the cabin, with Black Onyx seats featuring stitched Tremor logos and signature Tremor Orange accents. The center console, register vents and door pulls are updated to include the new color scheme as well.

The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package costs $2,995 MSRP and Tremor Appearance Package costs $1,495. Both packages are available for ordering in September.