2018 Shelby Raptor Baja will be a new modified model of F-150 Raptor from Ford. Shelby has a huge reputation in the market for tuning some popular models in the automobile world. Recently Shelby has announced that at the beginning they will only produce 50 variants of Raptor Baja, and later they will produce more unit depending on the demand.
According to Akos J.Feher, who is the vice president of operation in Shelby, Raptor Baja will get a modified version of the 575 HP engine. Apart from this, the exterior portion will get any necessary updates. This new model will help Shelby to expand its fan base in the market.
2018 Shelby Raptor Baja Visual Updates
The visual outlook of Raptor Baja will be very different from base Raptor models mainly due to the modified equipment. The vision will bear rugged styling loaded with all kind of road gears. The front fascia will boast a large bumper with LED light tubing, black mesh grille, largely LED headlight, muscular bonnet, skid plate, front fender, etc.
The side portion will carry LED integrated side mirror, protruded lower panel with Shelby nametag, remote fuel opener, 18-inch wheel BFGoodrich KO2 tires, full-length side steps, etc. The rear portion will boast a large LED stop light, stainless steel rivets, twin exhaust system, large rear cargo bed with ambient lighting, foldable rear door, etc.
Interior Update
Interior of 2018 Shelby Raptor Baja will adopt an exquisite design molded with sports characteristics. The seating package will include leather seats with dual tone color, lumbar support, embedded Shelby logo, etc. The comfort and convenience package will cover touchscreen cluster gauge, SYNC infotainment system, automatic temperature control system, dome light, mounted controls, leather steering wheels, large air ducts, etc. Apart from this, it will also acquire a premium quality audio system with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, USB, iPod connectivity, AUX, Smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi, etc. According to some rumors, Shelby will also update the safety and towing features.
Powertrain
The exact detail of powertrain is still unknown but according to some sources, 2018 Shelby Raptor Baja will be equipped with a 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine that can easily produce 411 HP and 434 lb-ft. But Shelby will improve this engine with Whipple supercharged that will raise the horsepower rating about 700 marks. This engine will be incorporated into a fuel injector, Borla exhaust system, and heat injector. It will get a six-speed transmission system that will provide both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive option. The exact fuel economy is still unknown, but experts are suggesting that it will offer a decent mileage.
Rivals
Shelby Raptor Baja is a unique model. But, it will some serious competition from other heavy-duty trucks. Some of them are Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, GMC Sierra 3500 HD, RAM 3500, etc.
Price and Arrival Date
Shelby hasn’t announced the exact arrival date of 2018 Shelby Raptor Baja. But, the journalist is predicting it will be released in the first quarter of 2018. The price tag of this model is expected to stay around $45,000.
