The Ford Ranger Raptor is well-known in the United States as one of the most exciting sporty SUVs, equipped with a 405-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and a Fox-developed suspension system. Its starting price is around $57,000, making it an attractive option for performance and off-road enthusiasts. However, car modification fans never settle for what the manufacturer offers; they always strive to develop and transform vehicles into true beasts on the road. This passion is not limited to the U.S. but extends to Australia as well.
An Australian Company Creates a Supercharged Ranger Raptor Version
In a bold and exciting move, the Australian company Killa Conversions & Performance has crafted a modified version of the Ford Ranger Raptor called the Raptr8 S. It is equipped with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine paired with a Roush supercharger, delivering an immense 750 horsepower. This power surpasses the American F-150 Raptor R’s 720 horsepower, which uses a 5.2-liter Predator engine.
What makes this project unique is that the company didn’t just install a bigger, more powerful engine; it retained the original Ranger Raptor’s long-travel suspension system, with options to upgrade the brakes, and uses a specially developed 10-speed automatic transmission to handle the new power.
Conversion Details and Costs
Converting a Ranger Raptor to a Raptr8 S is neither easy nor cheap. The conversion alone costs about 89,000 Australian dollars (approximately $57,000 USD). Adding the price of the original truck brings the total to around $122,000 USD, which is a hefty sum but still much less than importing an F-150 Raptor R to Australia, which can exceed $230,000.
This makes the Raptr8 S an attractive choice for those seeking extreme performance and V8 power in a Ranger Raptor package without the high cost of importing a luxury American truck.
Performance and Driving Experience
Thanks to the enhanced Coyote V8 with supercharger, the Raptr8 S delivers exceptional sporty performance, with strong acceleration and great capability on rough terrains. The long-travel suspension ensures excellent comfort and stability, while the upgraded automatic transmission provides smooth and efficient power delivery.
Driving this modified version is akin to piloting a race truck, yet it retains the comfort and reliability of the original Ford Ranger, making it a versatile vehicle that blends high performance with practicality.
Market Response and Challenges
These conversions have sparked wide interest in Australia and beyond, with many viewing them as proof of local tuning companies’ ability to rival major official productions. However, the high price remains a barrier for some buyers, though performance enthusiasts see it as a worthwhile investment.
This project also poses a new challenge for car manufacturers, as the market demands high-performance vehicles with advanced technologies, pushing companies to consider offering stronger versions or collaborating with tuners to meet these demands.
Killa Conversions & Performance’s V8 supercharged Ford Ranger Raptor conversions exemplify passion for tuning and innovation in the sporty SUV world. With power reaching 750 horsepower and performance surpassing some luxury American models, this version offers an exceptional driving experience combining strength, performance, and practicality.
Despite the high cost, these conversions open new horizons for tuning enthusiasts in Australia and worldwide, proving that the passion for performance knows no geographic boundaries.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
