CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: AWESOME or AWFUL? Is The Reaper A Raptor Gone WRONG?

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: AWESOME or AWFUL?  Is The Reaper A Raptor Gone WRONG?
You know how they say "There's Chevy guys, and then there's Ford guys." Well, if that adage holds true, then it's likely when the Ford F-150 Raptor made its debut as a badass dune-hopping machine, the General Motors lovers didn't flinch or run to the blue oval.

Likely they just jeered "Fix Or Repair Daily," or "Found On Road Dead."

Well, the truck gods have been awakened and now you have your Raptor competitor. Dubbed "the Reaper," Lingenfelter and Southern Comfort Automotive have come together to spiff up the Chevrolet Silverado and tune it up.

But the question remains: is the Lingenfelter/Southern Comfort Reaper AWESOME or AWFUL?

Check out the information below and weigh in!


Lingenfelter's press release follows:


LINGENFELTER, SOUTHERN COMFORT AUTOMOTIVE UNVEIL THE REAPER(tm) AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW


Performance-Tuned, Custom-Restyled 2014 Chevy Silverado Available Now


DECATUR, Ind. - Lingenfelter Performance Engineering and Southern Comfort Automotive have teamed up to answer the demand from General Motors truck enthusiasts for a specialty performance pickup model with the release of The Reaper(tm).

The Reaper will be displayed in booth SH13 in the Greater Chicago Area Chevy Dealers exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show. The official launch of the vehicle will take place during a Lingenfelter-hosted press conference Feb. 6 at 3:50 p.m. at the Grand Concourse Media Stage.


Chicago Auto Show Gallery




A mean, muscular and expertly tuned Limited Edition 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500, the Reaper represents the launch of a joint venture grounded in the automotive experts' long-time business relationship.

"Lingenfelter's strong brand in the performance arena and decades of engine-tuning expertise coupled with Southern Comfort Automotive's 35 plus years as a vehicle upfitter with a strong dealer network and worldwide distribution channels makes this venture ideal for both parties," said Ken Lingenfelter, CEO/owner, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

Michael McSweeney, managing partner of McSweeney Holdings, agrees. "This project is a great launch-point for a long-term relationship between Lingenfelter and Southern Comfort Automotive. Our capabilities and resources thoroughly complement one another, and we plan to proactively pursue other projects to further our joint venture."

Melding Lingenfelter's legendary performance-tuning capabilities and suspension know-how with Southern Comfort Automotive's virtuoso automotive design and graphics wizardry, the unstoppable Reaper features an aggressive, custom-lifted design sure to appeal to the off-road truck aficionado.

"We designed the Reaper to fill a void in the market for Chevy enthusiasts seeking a stand-out, supercharged off-road vehicle with head-turning curb appeal," said Matt McSweeney, president, Southern Comfort Automotive.



The supercharged Reaper delivers Lingenfelter's epic maximum performance while preserving drivability and reliability. Standard features include a three-inch lift with long travel off-road suspension, Fox Racing performance remote reservoir shocks, 20-inch Reaper wheels mounted on General Grabber light truck tires and a Lingenfelter Performance exhaust system. The Reaper occupies its own superior-style class, with a custom hood fitment and grill assembly, high-clearance bumper, wide-body fender flares and a wheel-to-wheel rock guard with removable side steps. Its custom lighting design includes integrated LED driving lights, side front fender marker lights and an integrated off-road flood light system. Available in red, white, gray or black through select Chevrolet dealers, the vehicle interior has Reaper embroidered headrests, door panel accents, Reaper gauge package, an auxiliary switch panel for flood light system and future accessory upgrades. The Reaper also displays interior and exterior co-branded Lingenfelter/Southern Comfort Automotive Reaper badging.

"Off-road enthusiasts can count on Lingenfelter to deliver the rugged, super-charged, high-end pickup package they crave, and this new Reaper is that and more," said Mike Copeland, Vice President and General Manager, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. "With Southern Comfort Automotive's restyling and graphics expertise, the performance-tuned Reaper is expected to dominate in the custom-designed luxury pickup class."

Optional upgrades include: a Magnuson TSV1900 Supercharger available on either the 5.3L or 6.2L V-8 engine, 17-inch beadlock wheels mounted on General Grabber Red Letter tires, Reaper graphics and a frozen matte paint finish.

The Reaper carries Lingenfelter's three-year/ 36,000 mile warranty* in addition to Southern Comfort Automotive's three-year/ 36,000 mile warranty on all parts restyled. Production will be scaled to meet demand. For information on ordering the Reaper visit www.reaperperformanceusa.com.


Chicago Auto Show Gallery






trmckintrmckin - 2/11/2014 12:40:28 AM
+1 Boost
That front shot reminds me of the family truckster from lampoons vacation


Garry44Garry44 - 2/11/2014 7:33:41 AM
+1 Boost
Not a possuer by any stretch. The Raptor looks the part of a Baja contender, but is saddled with "look at me" cosmetics. The Chevy looks purpose built with a decidedly unattractive domed hood and lower front end.


trmckintrmckin - 2/11/2014 12:09:24 PM
+1 Boost
hmm... to each his own but...

Graphics = Ford and Chevy
Wide fiberglass fenders = Ford and Chevy
Hood and grille = Ford and Chevy
machined black wheels = Ford and Chevy
Oversize tires = Ford and Chevy

What "look at me" cosmetics are you referring to as the Raptor blends in compared to this thing.

You mention a lower front end. I'm no baja expert but low front ends and desert racing don't strike me as an ideal set up. Most I've seen are running low in the tail if not level.

http://www.thelifeofadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/redbull_trophy-_truck_500px.jpg

Also.. when it comes to purpose built. I'd say the NA 6.2 in the ford wipes out any and all purpose built discussions when compared to a supercharged 5.3. Sure, the 5.3 might have more power but I wouldn't trust a supercharger 30 miles from the nearest service station after a day in the dirt. I suppose the reaper could be built with the 6.2 from GM and why they didn't do that in the first place is beyond me.



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