Back in June of 2019, Ford Authority exclusively reported that Ford was planning to finally offer a V8 engine in the F-150 Raptor. That model was teased by FoMoCo when it revealed the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor back in February 2021. At the time, Ford simply mentioned that a Ford F-150 Raptor R was coming in 2022, without providing any other details. But, as Ford Authority was first to report, it will be powered by Ford’s supercharged 5.2L Predator V8. And now, sources familiar with the matter have told Ford Authority that Ford F-150 Raptor R order books will open up this fall.
As we reported in 2020, the 5.2L Predator V8 in the F-150 Raptor R will produce around 750 horsepower, slightly less than the 760 ponies it makes in the S550-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. That will make the Raptor R more powerful than its chief rival – the 2021 Ram TRX – which is equipped with a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 rated at 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. With a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds, Ram calls the TRX the “quickest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world,” a title it won’t hold for much longer once the F-150 Raptor R makes its debut.
Aside from its more powerful supercharged V8 engine – which Ford Authority captured on video making throaty sounds last year – the F-150 Raptor R will also look almost the same as a “regular” F-150 Raptor, albeit with a few very subtle changes. The prototype seen here, originally spotted by Ford Authority spies back in April, features the “Ford” script front grille, gloss black beadlock-capable wheels, beefy tires, and dual exhaust. The Raptor R will also feature a more robust rear suspension fortified by structural enhancements like beefier trailing arms.
As Ford Authority reported back in September, the Ford F-150 Raptor R isn’t slated to arrive until later in 2022. Our report that order banks won’t open until next fall bring further substance to that report.
We’ll have much more on the Raptor R soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, Ford F-150 Raptor news, and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
I still say that Ford should use the a naturally aspirated Godzilla engine in the F150 Raptor R it can make 800hp without a supercharger and not even break a sweat
I hope they make it flat-plane crank and give it that GT350 exhaust, too. Imagine how crazy it would be to say that a truck has the best V8 engine sound.
As for looks, you can definitely tell the rear suspension is beefed out just by looking at it. Thing looks noticeably higher in the rear than the front. Could potentially come with those new LiveValve X2s that debuted on the Polaris RZR Pro R. The presence of camo on the front end and the rear fenders suggests new graphics packages and even more vents (it’ll need it if it does have the Predator engine). It also looks like it has 37s, based on how the 17 inch rims look when compared to the tire thickness.
Performance wise, this thing will slap the TRX into the sun even without those mega shocks. The normal Raptor already has a more composed suspension when doing high speed desert runs and highway driving. I’d imagine it would be even better with the R variant regardless of shock choice. Not only that, but it will also be much faster. 23-48 extra horsepower and likely a 500 lb weight difference, this thing could break into the low 12s or even 11s in the quarter. Don’t think the TRX stands a chance.
If Ford knows what they are doing, they will price this at aroumd 80k, destination included. That would put it in the same price range as the TRX while also being significantly better on the dunes and the street. Even if they make it 85 it would still be competitive.
Hopefully the ford dealership doesn’t charge mark ups on these trucks