Ford didn’t limit itself to regular production vehicles at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. Rather, it invited Tuscany to participate in the fun. Tuscany is an independent aftermarket coachbuilder that contracts with Ford to upgrade trucks with special packages and performance modifications before selling them at Ford dealerships and covered under Ford’s new-vehicle warranty.
Well, Tuscany brought two Shelby-branded trucks to the show – both of which are lifted 4WD modes, but with very different personalities.
Continue reading for more on the trucks.
2018 Ford F-150 Shelby by Tuscany
This truck started life as a 2018 F-150 Super Crew with the Lariat trim package and 5.0-liter V-8. Tuscany then modified the brand new truck by adding a BDS suspension lift, 20-inch wheels wrapped in BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, upgraded Fox Racing Shocks, and several unique pieces of bodywork that include a new wire-mesh grille, functional ram air hood scoop, fender flares, Shelby graphics, and a tonneau cover.
The biggest upgrade, however, is found under the hood. Tuscany added a Shelby supercharger and high-flow fuel injectors to the 5.0-liter V-8. It takes the relatively docile 395 horsepower and cranks it to 755 horsepower. Combined with the 10-speed automatic transmission and stout 3.73 final drive ratio, this truck can undoubtedly move.
While we’re not terribly big fans of the outlandish exterior upgrades, the extra horsepower is unquestionably a big plus, especially considering the upgrades don’t void the F-150’s warranty. For those who really like the truck, Tuscany sells its upgraded F-150s through local Ford dealerships. Be prepared to pony up some hefty cash, though. This particular conversion costs $46,470 – and that’s on top of the F-150’s cost. This particular truck originally cost $61,495 and now costs a whopping $107,965.
2018 Ford F-150 Shelby Baja Raptor by Tuscany
Like the truck above, this truck started life as a convention 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor with nothing special about it. Tuscany had its way, however, and now the truck looks like a Hot Wheels model.
The truck rides on a Shelby suspension lift with 18-inch alloy wheel sand BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM tires. The Raptor’s front bumper is replaced with a Shelby steel bumper with LED off-road lights and shackle mounts. The hood also gets the Tuscany touch with the functional ram air hood scoop.
Tuscany added Shelby graphics to the rocker panels, along with Amp Research power running boards. The bed also got plenty of attention thanks to a sports bar with off-road lights and mounts for two spare tires. The rear bumper is also steel with LED lighting and shackle mounts for off-road recovery situations. Red and white Shelby decals adorn the windshield, rear fenders, and tailgate for that one-off look. Inside, the truck features embroidered leather seats with the Shelby Baja Raptor logo.
Of course, Tuscany didn’t leave the Raptor’s 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V-6 alone. It took the twin-turbo V-6 from 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque to a whopping 525 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque.
Naturally, such modifications don’t come cheap. This particular conversion costs $49,295 on top of the truck’s original MSRP of $68,165. That brings the grand total to a spit-take worthy $117,460. Ouch!
References
Ford F-150
Read our full review on the 2018 Ford F-150.
Read our full review on the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Read more Ford news.
Read more Chicago Auto Show news.