Earlier this month, Ford Authority caught a next-gen, 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor prototype out testing, emitting some very V8-like noises. Now, we’ve spied yet another V8-powered Ford F-150 Raptor prototype, and this time, its deep-toned soundtrack is on full display. The short clip clearly demonstrates that there’s no 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood, as is the case with the current-gen Raptor, but rather, something much more sinister.
Back in 2019, Ford Authority exclusively reported that the next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor would be making a return to V8 power. Then, last August, we reported that the rugged off-road pickup would in fact be the recipient of a slightly detuned version of the Ford 5.2L Predator V8 used in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which is what lies under the hood of this prototype.
Ever since the second-gen Raptor debuted back in 2017 with Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as its sole engine offering, enthusiasts have clamored for a proper V8, just like the first gen’s 5.4L Modular V8 or 6.2L Boss V8, and now it appears that Ford is going to answer those calls.
As we previously reported, the next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor will be available with either a modified version of Ford’s new hybrid 3.5L PowerBoost V6, currently offered in the 2021 Ford F-150, or the aforementioned 5.2L Predator V8, which will be detuned slightly from the GT500’s 760 horsepower to make somewhere around 725-750 horsepower.
The V8-powered 2021 F-150 Raptor will go head-to-head with the Ram TRX, which comes equipped with a supercharged version of FCA’s 6.2L Hemi V8 that 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 a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. However, it may not hold that crown for long.
In recent months, we’ve spied a number of next-gen Raptor prototypes testing in the wild, revealing its front grille design, amber LED signature lighting, some cool off-road tech features, and a new coil spring suspension setup.
We’ll have more on the 2021 F-150 Raptor very soon, 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.
Comments
Should be a decent amount of preowned Ecoboost Raptors hitting the market soon
All other sources are saying this is the 2022, not the 2021.