HIGHS Gnarly performance, unbeatable off-road capability, why can't every pickup ride this smoothly? LOWS Lousy V-6 exhaust note, expensive gas bill, there's a limit to how big a truck can be—and this is it. VERDICT The F-150 Raptor is one seriously intense truck, but it's surprisingly amenable to everyday use as long as you don't expect it to fit into normal-size parking spots. Overview The Ford F-150 Raptor is a SCORE off-road trophy truck living in an asphalt world. It wears extra-wide fenders, long-travel suspension, big tires, and the high-performance demeanor of a Baja-bashing race truck. It even earned a place on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2023. Most Raptors are powered by a twin-turbo 450-hp V-6 bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, an even wilder, more powerful Raptor R is coming and uses a 700-hp version of the Mustang Shelby GT500's supercharged 5.2-liter V-8, which will finally give the 702-hp Ram TRX something intimidating to snort at. While the R comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires, standard rubber for twin-turbo V-6 models measures at 35 inches, but those 37s are optional. Despite the Raptor's enormity, it has one of the smoothest rides we've experienced in a full-size pickup. That long-travel suspension, which is specifically designed to absorb the bumps, dips, and jumps of high-speed off-roading, is wonderfully soft and forgiving over everyday potholes and lumpy pavement. Rocks and dunes aside, fitting this size-XXL F-150 down a narrow road or into a parking spot might well be the Raptor's biggest obstacle. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Beneath the F-150 Raptor's new hood, which now features a prominent heat extractor, is the familiar high-output version of Ford's 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It breathes through a new 3.0-inch exhaust system that reportedly enhances the truck's V-6 soundtrack. The engine still pairs with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. If that's not enough for you, just wait. The Raptor R is an even bigger predator. It uses a 700-hp version of the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500, but with 640 pound-feet of torque. Every Raptor rides on a sophisticated suspension that includes larger internal-bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. The version we tested showcased the truck's incredible traction and ride quality on even the most treacherous terrain. Along with other chassis enhancements, a selection of 17-inch rims, and a standard set of 35-inch tires, the Raptor is also available with a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires for better approach, departure, and breakover angles as well as ground clearance that increases from 12.0 to 13.1 inches. The Raptor R comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires. Towing and Payload Capacity The F-150 Raptor can tow even more than the version it replaces. Its maximum payload and conventional tow ratings both increase by 200 pounds to 1400 and 8200 pounds, respectively. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The F-150 Raptor is rated up to 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Opting for the larger 37-inch tires can reduce those figures to 14 mpg city and 16 highway. The V-8-powered Raptor R—predictably—has the lowest estimates at 10 mpg city and 15 highway. Once we have the opportunity to test one on our 75-mph highway route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the F-150 Raptor's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Raptor's cabin enjoys the same design layout and passenger space as the regular F-150 SuperCrew. The high-performance version comes standard with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and boasts more interior storage space as well as what Ford says are nicer materials. The new steering wheel wears a laser-etched logo and now has a race car-style orange mark at the 12 o'clock position; prominent aluminum paddle shifters still lurk behind the spokes. Along with the standard aluminum interior trim, the Raptor is available with optional carbon-fiber interior accents and more aggressively bolstered Recaro front buckets. The high-flying pickup will no longer be offered in the extended cab (a.k.a. SuperCab) body style. At least the SuperCrew crew cab version offers more back-seat space. It pairs with a 5.5-foot cargo box. https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/f-150-raptor-2023 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2JhAlXKGmc

Renault has named the new SUV it plans to launch for international markets. It's called the Kardian, and it'll debut on October 25. That's when the French automaker will also present its new strategy for international markets. The new B-segment SUV will go on sale first in Latin America, breaking cover in Rio de Janeiro, before becoming available elsewhere. Renault says the new Kardian will embody "the start of the brand's new product offensive in markets outside of Europe." Details about the new model remain elusive, but it could be Renault's version of the Dacia Sandero Stepway. Dacia updated the Sandero in 2020 for the 2021 model year with a new generation that included the rugged Stepway variant. The Sandero Stepway is a high-riding version of the hatchback featuring roof rails, integrated skid plates in the bumpers, an increased ride height, plastic fender arches, and additional moldings. In announcing the Kardian's October debut, Renault also teased the SUV. The automaker revealed the SUV's word mark underneath the Renault badge. It also offered a brief glimpse of the taillight, hatch, and roof spoiler, but it isn't easy to discern details about the SUV's overall design. It certainly looks similar to the Sandero. Renault recently refreshed the Arkana, giving the SUV a thorough facelift. It adopted the brand's new corporate logo but doesn't appear to share any prominent styling motifs with the new B-segment model. The taillights look completely different, but the two models could share some front-end similarities. https://www.motor1.com/news/683882/renault-teases-kardian-suv-debuts-october/ ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrvvHCQGxwQ