Because Americans love pickup trucks so much that they often overlook how much they have come to cost, carmakers don't shy away from slapping huge price stickers on their products. Just consider that just a few of us would have imagined a couple of decades ago that we'd end up paying $60,000 for a pickup truck.
That's how much, for instance, Ford is asking for the 2024 Super Duty F-250 in Lariat trim. True, it's a very capable machine, but that's also how much you pay for a Mercedes-Benz GLE. I know, I know, apples and oranges, but still…
But what if we told you there is now an F-250 variant that costs more than double that, or precisely $154,995? True, we're talking about a significantly beefed up version of the F-250, but it still costs so much it's like entering luxury supercar territory.
This expensive machine is called Shelby F-250 Super Baja and it has been presented in 2023 configuration this week by its maker, Shelby American. It's the latest incarnation of a breed that first surfaced back in 2021 and proved highly successful in the Shelby inventory, becoming "one of the most popular vehicles in the Shelby lineup" in the short time that has passed since. At least that's according to Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American.
The three-quarter-ton pickup retains the powertrain of the truck it is based on. That means we're talking about a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. And it also means the truck remains just as capable when it comes to the things it was designed to do, which is carry loads - the towing capacity of the truck stands at 22,000 pounds.
But, after conducting "brutal testing both on and off-road," a new, dual-purpose vehicle was born. What Shelby significantly changed is the truck's suspension system, which was overhauled with the help of Fox to give the F-250 more off-road capabilities than it was originally gifted with.
Photo: Shelby
The areas targeted by the changes targeted an increase in ride height, more travel for the suspension system, and better handling when going off the beaten path.
The pickup now makes use of a lift system of undisclosed capabilities. It was gifted with a dual steering stabilizer, front coilovers and reservoir shocks, and adjustable shocks at the rear. The suspension system ends in 20-inch alloy wheels that are now wrapped in BFGoodrich 37-inch tires. A set of spares is included at the back on a chase rack installed in the bed, on the cabin side.
The truck was modified visually as well, especially at the front. We get to see a functional air induction hood with extraction vent replacing the original one, but also a new grille new fender flares, and new vents.
The steel front bumper is where Shelby installed a 40-inch curved LED light bar (complemented up on the roof by another light bar), but also tow points for when the driver needs to get out of trouble. At the rear, the bumper features 10 LED backup lights.
The chase rack system installed in the bed not only supports the spare tires, but it also comes equipped with a 50-inch power-actuated LED light bar. The bed itself got a new liner.
The sides of the F-250 come with power steps with rock sliders and lights, and there are Shelby stripes and badges to be seen all around.
Photo: Shelby
The interior of the truck has been updated as well, although the main elements, namely the dashboard and steering wheel, remain the ones that come out the factory doors. The truck does now include leather on all the relevant surfaces, most visible of course on the seats.
The mats fitted on the floor are embroidered, and faux carbon fiber accents are visible all throughout the cabin. There are billet racing pedals to control the car, and tinted windows to shield the occupants from unwanted looks.
Shelby plans to make the F-250 Super Baja in limited numbers, just 300 units. To make sure everyone understands the rarity of the beast, the cabin of the truck is where a serialized plate will be found.
The company says the Super Baja will be available in all the factory colors of the F-250. They will be available for purchase through Tuscany and Ford dealers, and each of the 300 trucks will be included in the official Shelby Registry.
We're told the modifications made to the F-250 to turn it into the Baja will be covered by a 3-year or 36,000-mile (58,000 km) warranty. The powertrain warranty, because the engine and transmission are the ones installed by Ford itself, will not be affected by the changes made elsewhere.
As said, the 2023 Shelby F-250 Super Baja is selling for $154,995, and the means to place an order for one are already available over at Shelby.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
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