Skip to main content

Shelby Turns SVT Raptor into Ferocious Baja 700

 
 
How many off-road adventurers have been waiting for the 2017 model year vehicles to roll onto dealership lots? The impending arrival the EcoBoost powered next-generation version of the F-150 based Ford Raptor the probably fueled the dreams of many who are attracted to the roads less traveled (or do not exist at all). The 2017 Raptor will be Ford's attempt to better its 411-horsepower off-roading pickup truck. Though Ford decided to create an all-new vehicle, Shelby American's Baja 700 conversion awakens the 2011 to 2014 model year 6.2-liter V-8 engined vehicle.

In addition to the purchase of a 2011 to 2014 model year Ford SVT Raptor, Shelby's Baja 700 equipment package equates to a $45,000 investment. Not the first Ford SVT Raptor given the Shelby treatment, the respected Las Vegas based company enters a bold new performance realm. Exhibiting the same tenacious quest sports car excellence as the AC Cobra and GT350 version of the Ford Mustang, the limited edition Baja 700 is the Super Snake equivalent to the SVT Raptor.

The centerpiece to the Shelby Baja 700 is a 2.9-liter Whippie supercharger bolted to the Ford 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant. Combined with enlarged throttle bodies and injectors, upgraded heat exchanger plus a Borla brand exhaust system, the Baja 700's name meaning becomes evident. Shelby opens up 700 horsepower from the eight-cylinder engine.

Receiving a Shelby paint scheme accented with the trademark contrasting racing stripes, the Baja 700's new high-performance image is enhanced by optional bumpers furnished by Rogue Racing. Fitted with 18-inch custom wheels, the Shelby Baja 700 gains BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tires. Additional traits to the performance off-road truck includes special badging and markings.

Explaining Shelby's motivation for creating the Baja 700, the company's co-CEO of Shelby International and the CEO of Shelby American Joe Conway recalls the founder's heritage. “Carroll had a love for trucks and brought his high performance, ‘Texas style’ to the drawing board when he envisioned the Shelby Raptor. This special edition Shelby Baja 700 builds on that vision, as it was created to conquer any terrain.” said Conway.

When Shelby declares a vehicle as 'limited edition', they mean it. Only 50 Ford Raptor SVTs will be permitted to serve as donors to the Shelby Baja 700 modifications.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Canadian Star Car: Red Green's Possum Van

Clip of Possum Van during a Red Green Show season 1 scene transition.  It could be argued that the car someone regularly drives can be reflective of their personality. The level of character traits found in our automobiles can range from subtle to flamboyant as practicality, style, power, brand loyalty and other details are factors influencing our vehicle affection. On the big screen and silver screen, an automobile (frequently popularized as a Star Car) can be used to affirmatively to expand on a human character. Batman’s Batmobile, the Dodge Charger called the ‘General Lee’ in Dukes of Hazzard, the Volvo P1800 featured in the 1960s television version of The Saint, the Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond in some of the most famous spy movies are some popular examples where vehicles play a major role in reinforcing the appearance of fictional individuals. Due to the budgetary constraints of Canadian media productions, the presence of native Star Cars is rare. However, one success...

The 1967 Indy 500: When An STP-Sponsored Turbine Almost Changed Racing

Photo Credit: Uncredited Photographer/IMS LLC Racing has always been the ultimate proving ground for automobiles. Not only has competition promoted innovations big and small, race cars have also influenced overall vehicle appearance. At the 1967 Indianapolis 500, the STP-Paxton TurboCar fielded by the late Andy Granatelli provided a shocking example of how much racing at the speedway evolved over 56 years. Ever since the first 500-mile event was held at the 2.5-mile rectangular oval Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911, the winning Marmon Wasp with a rearview mirror paved the way for what would be a grand showcase of automotive development. Accompanying “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” advancements in automobile technology showed greater sophistication with every passing decade in the quest for more speed. During the 1920s and 1930s, American race car designer Henry Miller offered groundbreaking engines to the Indianapolis 500. Miller also gave front-wheel drive technology it...

Plastic Performance: The Story of the Innovative Polimotor Engine

Photo Credit: Jack Webster The engine compartment for a traditional fuel-burning automobile is one of the most incredible storms regularly occurring on this planet. Intense heat of the combustion process combines with a stunning electrical storms and powerful mechanical forces to create the momentum we take for granted. Harnessing and managing this essential storm to generate optimum performance relies on the ability to engineer the best possible engine.  Among one of the aspects carefully considered towards the construction of a traditional internal combustion gasoline engine is material selection. Performance, durability and importantly cost factors into how to produce a powerplant. For a long time, cast iron was favoured for the construction of engine blocks for most production automobiles while other components utilized alloys such as stainless steel. Previously existing in high performance or more expensive vehicles, aluminum has gained wider acceptance in rece...