When it comes to muscle cars, Ford beats all automakers pants down. The automaker is taking this definition even a stepfather. After partnering with the RTR Lab to develop the RTR 3 pack that enhances the masculinity of the Mustang GT, the automaker has partnered with the same design house once more to create a new “Muscle Truck”. However, unlike the Mustang GT RTR, the new truck dubbed “ Ford F 150 RTR Concept ” comes in concept form. By the way, “RTR” means “ready to rock”. It even gets better; the new pickup truck will be based on the all-time favorite F-150 pickup truck. According to what we have so far gathered about the truck, its engineers have managed to excellently blend in features that many pickup truck builders have failed to, i.e. combining driving dynamics in different on- and off-road conditions without compromising composure for daily driving.
Exterior and interior design
Unlike other muscle trucks that betray their DNA from afar, it is hard to tell the extreme capabilities of the RTR concept including the fact that it packs a whopping 600 hp of power under its hood even when you are standing next to it. This is because of its conservative exterior that is not too flashy like most of the models it is aimed to compete with. The reason for going with such a design is to complement the model’s multi-purpose capabilities. The truck is not built to perform a single thing such as track performance or traversing the off-road terrain; rather, it is built to do everything. You will find the model quite impressive if you need to go for off-road excursions, a bit of drifting at the tracks or even for regular driving on your city streets. The truck is built to support the buyer in all possible ways a car should.
Compared to the F-150, the exterior of the RTR comes with RTR’s unique grille; it also features new fender flares and unique lighting. The model’s exterior also wears several RTR badges and rides on unique RTR Tech 6 off-road wheels. The wheels come wrapped in 33-inch Nitto Ridge Grapple rubber.
The interior, on the other hand, is specially crafted by Katzkin and as such features full leather upholstery. There is also a plaque on the dash with Vaughn Gitttin Jr. signature.
Overall, the pickup truck has a low, wide yet aggressive look that enables the model to stand out without being too flamboyant.
Ford F 150 RTR Concept Engine and performance
The Ford F 150 RTR Concept hides a 5.0 L, V-8 under its bonnet that produces an impressive 600 hp. The power is conveyed to all wheels using a 10-speed automatic gearbox (same as the F-150). The amazing power is courtesy of a supercharger as well as a Magna Flow exhaust setup. The model also features performance upgrades including payload maximize springs, heavy-duty rear axle, enhanced rear dampers, new coil overs as well as enlarged double wishbone suspension.
Price and release date
Ford has not confirmed when we can expect to see the model in its actual production form; the automaker has not even confirmed if the model will make it into production. However, I expect the truck to receive a lot of goodwill from American muscle truck enthusiasts which will persuade Ford to take it into production. In terms of prices, expect the model to cost a lot more than the F-150 SuperCrew truck it is based on.
