February 3, 2021 is the day that Ford unveiled its next generation F-150 Raptor. Interestingly, the official reveal did not include details about the performance, despite the fact that the F-150 Raptor is a performance truck. Even more interesting was the spate of activities on social networks that occurred after the debut, but the result of those conversations was clear. The Raptor will be launched with an EcoBoost V6, but a V8 version will arrive next year.
This news was confirmed by several online Ford sources via Twitter, and Motor Authority also has confirmation. Motor1.com I contacted Ford for additional words as well, but for all intents and purposes, this is a closed deal.
As you can see in the tweets, the heaviest Raptor will be called Raptor R. At this early stage there is no other information, but rumors have been flying around the truck wielding a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 version of the Mustang Shelby GT500. The Predator V8 develops 760 horsepower for the rugged pony car, and if Ford intends to fight the Ram TRX, the Raptor will need that infusion of power. Another possibility could be an enhanced version of Ford’s 7.3-liter V8 pushrod. With its compact size and great power potential, it could be a surprising change from the Blue Oval.
30 Photos
For now, we know that the 2021 F-150 Raptor takes an evolutionary step compared to the previous model. The twin-turbo V6 holds under the hood, presumably at least 450 hp, although with the TRX and its Hellcat V8 riding high, an increase in power from the Blue Oval seems not only logical, but necessary. Perhaps the best news is Raptor’s readjusted five-link suspension, which offers many trips.
As for the Raptor R with V8 engine, Ford tells us that it will arrive in 2022, although we do not know if it is a debut date or a sale date. We will update this article with more information from Raptor R as it becomes available.