After proving itself off-road by surviving the Baja 1000 with a podium finish, the heavily modified Ford SVT Raptor is quickly proving itself in the showroom as well. Interest in the new truck has exceeded Ford’s expectations; more than 300,000 people having visited its website and 1,500 have already placed an order for the new truck.

So far all orders are for the 5.4 liter version, with 310 horsepower and 365 ft-lbs of torque. An even more powerful version will debut this winter, with a 6.2 liter V8 producing 400 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque. Part of the appeal of this truck is that it’s nearly impossible to buy a new truck and modify it to this extent for a price lower than Ford is offering. Prices for the 5.4 liter V8 begin at $38,995 and $41,995 for the 6.2 liter V8.

The Raptor is based off of the F-150 Supercrew truck. Changes include a widened body, unique sheet metal in front of the A-pillar, and a new grille. The suspension was partially designed by Fox Racing and features internal bypass Fox Racing shocks that stiffen when the truck reaches high speeds off-road. The high performance suspension will allow for greater travel than the normal F-150, with 13.4 inches of travel in the back, and 11.2 inches up front. Also updated for the Raptor are new leaf springs in the back, revised control arms, and a wider and thickened rear axle.

So far, 94 percent of buyers have been males with a median age of 39. Forty percent of orders came in for the Raptor exclusive Molten Orange color, and another 40 percent for the Tuxedo Black. The first truck was sold last year at Barrett-Jackson for $130,000. Retail sales began in August.

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