We all know Shelby for tuning some of the fastest Ford Mustangs in the world. Another area the company also excels at is tuning trucks.
Many enthusiasts were disappointed after Ford announced they would skip production of a new Raptor for the 2016 model year until 2017. However, they need not be saddened as Shelby is set to release a heavily modified Raptor that will make the stock Raptor look and feel conventional. The new model christened the”2016 Shelby Baja 700” will however be extremely limited to just 50 units.
In all respects, the Shelby Raptor is a high-performing truck which pumps a whole 575 hp but Shelby took it to even greater heights. In addition to tweaking the engine for more power, Shelby has also upgraded several of the vehicle features. Read along to find out more;
2016 Shelby Baja 700 Exterior
Taking a glance at the 2016 Shelby Baja 700 immediately reveals it is not an ordinary truck. Straight away, one notices its tube frame which is integrated with LED light bars which make it look menacing. On its front area the truck features mesh guards which protect the LED light shells.
On the rear, the customization sees the rear bumper discarded in favor of a custom steel unit which features LED light pods as well as stainless steel rivets. The rear look is finished off with dual chrome exhaust tips placed at the right end panel.
On the sides, the vehicle rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in KO2 All-Terrain tires from BFGoodrich. To complete the look is a unique paint job that features a blue paint contrasted by twin, white racing stripes. The white strips seem as if to cut the vehicle into two starting from the hood all the way to the rear. The white stripes are also featured below its doors.
2016 Shelby Baja 700 Interior
The cabin was not left out either but unlike the exterior; the cabin only receives minor upgrades. The upgrades include seats wrapped in leather with black and blue colors. The Shelby name is embroidered on the seatbacks. The seats are power adjustable.
Ford’s in-dash Sync infotainment system which integrates Smartphones and USB ports is left intact. Other retained Ford features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a HVAC system as well as auto airbags and safety belts.
The interior is spacious and accommodates five passengers all enjoying plenty of head and legroom.
Engine Specs and Performance
Under the hood is where things get most exciting. The base Raptor rides on an impressive 6.2 L V-8 engine which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. Shelby took this engine and turned up its heat.
Shelby adds 2.9 L Whipple supercharger, a larger throttle body, a high-performance heat exchange, high-flow fuel injectors and a free-flowing exhaust system which pumps the power to a whopping 700 hp and 584 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with 2-speed transfer case. Both 2WD and 4WD are available including a low range 4WD for multiplied torque.
This huge power means the large truck accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 135 mph. The engine is further enhanced with a slip differential that directs torque to the front wheels and an electronic locking differential for the rear wheels.
Price and release date
The conversion from Raptor to Baja 700 doesn’t come on the cheap. The conversion only will set you back $ 45,000. The complete package including the stock Ford Raptor will cost around $ 85,500 and can go up if you want extras.
Unfortunately not many will enjoy this super performing and superfast pickup truck as only 50 units will be produced. Each of the produced models will be documented on Shelby’s official register.
