The hot-selling 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor just got hotter as it has been awarded 4×4 of the Year by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine. This is the third award for the off-road performance truck, which went on sale in August.

Since its initial world debut in late 2008, the F-150 SVT Raptor high-speed off-road performance truck has been a hit. The Dearborn Truck Plant has been building the truck at maximum capacity to fulfill orders, and the media have been giving it stellar reviews and awards based on its off-road performance and daily drivability.

Vehicles were judged on a 1,000-mile trail that evaluated the suspension, engine, transmission, transfer case and styling, and of course, off-road performance. F-150 SVT Raptor beat out three competitors, including the Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Hummer H3T Alpha and Toyota 4Runner Trail.

Earlier this year, the F-150 SVT Raptor received a 2010 Automotive Excellence Award: Best Off-Road Ability from Popular Mechanics magazine. The F-150 SVT Raptor also helped power the F-150 lineup to win the prestigious Truck of Texas award from the Texas Auto Writers Association.

New powertrain coming in 2010
Available in early 2010, an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 producing 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque will be available in the F-150 SVT Raptor. This new engine will make Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will have the choice of two V-8 engines – Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery. The 5.4-liter-powered F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995 including destination and delivery.

The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, and it’s also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Quotes
“This truck can handle anything the off-road world can dish out. The F-150 SVT Raptor has been a fantastic halo for the F-150 line, with capabilities far beyond what any other manufacturer currently offers.”
– Doug Scott, Truck Group Marketing Manager

“Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) worked very closely with FOX Racing Shox and BFGoodrich to give the F-150 immense off-road capability, while still being civil on pavement. Even though the truck is focused on high speed, we took into account all aspects of off-road driving during development. This award is proof that the F-150 SVT Raptor is a well-rounded performer.”
– Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development

“The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup handily won this year’s test, despite being pitted against top-of-the-line competition. The pickup consistently placed well ahead of the competition in most areas, and great value and fun factors sent it over the top. Basic, solid construction gave us the confidence to take the truck wherever we wanted.”
– Rick Péwé, Editor-in-chief of Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road