It’s been over a year since Ford Authority exclusively reported that the next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor would be making a return to V8 power. Then, last month, we reported that the new F-150 Raptor wouldn’t just be available with any old regular V8, but rather the supercharged 5.2L Predator V8 from the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, albeit detuned a bit to somewhere between 725 and 750 horsepower.
Despite the presence of a V8 in the next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor, sources have told Ford Authority that the off-road focused performance pickup will also be available with a more powerful version of Ford’s new 3.5L PowerBoost V6 hybrid, which will debut in the 2021 Ford F-150. The PowerBoost Hybrid promises to be a potent combination of gas and electric power, and effectively replaces the 3.5L EcoBoost High Output used in the last-gen F-150 Limited and Raptor models.
Power ratings for the PowerBoost hybrid system have not yet been announced by Ford, but in the new F-150, it’s promising 47 additional horsepower from the electric motor, 700 miles of range, and 12,000 pounds of maximum towing capability.
Meanwhile, the Predator-powered Raptor will be directly aimed at the new 2021 Ram TRX, which was revealed last month. The TRX comes equipped with a supercharged version of FCA’s 6.2L Hemi V8, which produces 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. FCA calls the TRX the “quickest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world,” with a claimed 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 108 mph.
Recently, we spied a next-gen Ford Raptor prototype in advanced stages of development. That prototype utilized a coil spring rear suspension setup in lieu of the current Raptor’s leaf springs, and the truck’s Fox shocks were moved ahead of the rear axle. It’s worth noting that the Ram TRX features a five-link coil suspension, which provides superior articulation over a traditional leaf spring setup.
It’s currently unclear whether the all-new, third-generation Ford F-150 Raptor will come to market for the 2021 or 2022 model years. It’s possible that the vehicle will actually launch toward the end of the 2021 model year, but with very limited availability.
We’ll have more on the next-gen Raptor as soon as it’s available, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, F-150 Ford Raptor news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
H/T: TFLT
Comments
It’s a great move to give customers a choice keep the EcoBoost V6 for those who don’t mind the sound with a lower price and add a top range V8 for those who want the exhaust notes and more power. I still wouldn’t use the Predator V8 when the Coyote V8 can easily make 725-750hp with a Supercharger with the 10 speed transmission. If Ford really want the truck to be a truly Unique Monster EcoBoost the Coyote V8 for the Raptor only that will keep it inline with its V6 offering while building on its own Reputation, let Chevy and Dodge use Superchargers
no way they will use the predator. that engine is hand built and won’t be able to keep up with production…