Overcoming Obstacles and Making Icons Fly: Raptor R Team Members Tell Us Their Story

From designers and engineers to assembly plant team members, hearts are pounding with excitement and pride for the Ford F-150 Raptor R.

“This is the coolest truck in the world. Somebody prove it’s not,” challenges Keith Weston, Ford Performance vehicle engineering supervisor. Passion for the visceral dynamic thrills the Raptor R delivers runs high. Penny Cauzillo, hourly launch team member agrees, saying “Ford just upped their game with the Raptor R. It sounds Built Ford Tough with the throaty sound that engine makes when you hit the accelerator pedal. I love this truck!”

The way the Raptor R came together, from idea to reality, is a story of Ford at our best, putting Ford+ behaviors into action. It started with grassroots research, asking customers what they wanted. “We did a survey at the Ford Performance school,” explains Weston. “One of the major themes was they wanted a V8. We figured if we were going to put a V8 in the truck, we’d better do that properly. This [engine] was the biggest, baddest one we had, so we figured that was the best one.” Several team members had worked on the Shelby GT500 and participate in their own racing hobbies, which ?provided inspiration. Ryan Long, Ford Performance chassis supervisor had his curiosity piqued in a high-performance atmosphere: “When you’re at the racetrack with your Shelby, staring into the engine bay at that motor, and you see a Raptor out of the corner of your eye, why wouldn’t you ask [if the motor would fit in the truck]?” The basic idea is simple, Weston clarifies; “it’s all about ‘we got the motor, we got the truck, let’s put the motor in the truck.’”

Listening to customers provided the inspiration, but getting to the checkered flag in an uncertain situation took new behaviors and creative problem solving. Brian Lizotte, V8 program supervisor explains: “Many Ford team members were working in unusual environments, not the traditional collaborative work spaces you know and love. We still worked together and found a way to deliver this exceptional product given an environment that was not traditional with COVID and having to work remotely. I’m really proud of the fact that we were able to deliver this product under duress.”?The common thread for the Raptor R is alove for the product that’s shared between company insiders,our customers and fans. “A bunch of people who like exciting products got together and we made this thing,” Weston says. “This was all about creating the product that our customers were asking for.”

There is broad agreement: we have delivered. Matthew Schulte, a Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC) hourly team member and avowed ‘gearhead,’ enthuses “Getting in the Raptor R, well, let’s just say that rocket has [launched this] motorhead into a low-altitude orbit!” Launch team member Cauzillo agrees: “Ford just upped their game with the Raptor R.” The effect the Raptor R has on the company goes beyond the truck. It’s also supercharging pride.

“Whenever you think that something can’t be done, look at the huge step we just took, and think about how we can do that in the future,” says Chassis Supervisor Long. Brian Lizotte says proudly “If you would have told me when I started my career that I’d be working on halo vehicles with these power-dense V8 supercharged engines with over 700 horsepower, I never would have believed that I would be working so closely with a team that would be delivering such a product. It’s an honor, and the pinnacle of my career.” Penny Cauzillo sums it up with a long view: “I have worked for Ford for 29 years. I absolutely love my job, and these past few years have made me excited about the future,” she says. “Ford is stepping up their game for the future with technology, innovation, and not just meeting customer expectations, but exceeding them.”?

Check back next week as we interview Keith Weston, Ford Performance vehicle engineering supervisor for the Raptor R, about the truck, the team, and what he loves about Ford.