The chicken farmer’s namesake has again turned its ministrations on the Ford F-150, this time adding 75 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque to the current-generation F-150 Raptor pickup, resulting in the new 2018 Shelby Raptor.

The chicken farmer’s namesake has again turned its ministrations on the Ford F-150, this time adding 75 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque to the current-generation F-150 Raptor pickup, resulting in the new 2018 Shelby Raptor. 

Shelby American has reintroduced its popular Shelby Raptor, beginning with a limited number of 2018 model year trucks that will be available through its network of North American dealers. This performance-sodden machine cranks out an incredible 525 hp and 610 ft-lb of twist from its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.

READ MORE: Ford Ranger Raptor Confirmed for 2018…in Australia

“Performance has been our business for over 50 years,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “During the past twenty-four months, we’ve added several new vehicles to our lineup in direct response to customer demand, including a trio of purpose-built trucks. The Shelby Raptor builds on our rich heritage with trucks, giving enthusiasts even more ways to have high horsepower fun.”

The chicken farmer’s namesake has again turned its ministrations on the Ford F-150, this time adding 75 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque to the current-generation F-150 Raptor pickup, resulting in the new 2018 Shelby Raptor.

The Shelby Raptor has a new two stage shock system, said to give the truck a harder edge. Adjustable shocks will allow those wielding this brute to tailor the Raptor’s ride to trail conditions while rolling on beefier wheels and tires than a stock Raptor. The interior also gets treated to some styling frippery.

A raft of exterior steroids sets the Shelby Raptor apart from its stock half-brother (there’s no way I’m calling any Raptor “base” or “mundane”). Distinctive front and rear bumpers house a unique lighting system, while a brace of knobby spare tires take up residence in the bed. Auxiliary lights approximating the brightness of a collapsed sun are on board, joining a natty Shelby wallpaper plasters the sides and tailgate.

READ MORE: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Review

Introduced for the 2016 model year, F-150 Raptor marked a departure from the previous incarnations of the truck which were built mainly for straight-line speed. The stock 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The truck has a locking center diff which can shuttle power around depending on the chosen drive mode.

The Shelby Raptor will cost 117,460 of the finest American dollars. That amount of cheddar includes the truck and all modifications listed here. The average transaction price of a stock Raptor is about sixty-eight large. Those who have already spent their simoleons on a 2017 Raptor needn’t feel left out – they can send it to a Shelby dealer for conversion, along with a check for $49,295. Only 500 will be built.