- ford has confirmed that a higher-performance version of its f-150 raptor, the raptor r, is coming next year.
- the 2021 f-150 raptor (pictured above) is powered by a twin-turbocharged v-6, while the raptor r could use the supercharged v-8 from the mustang shelby gt500, making more than 700 horsepower.
- the raptor r will take on the 702-hp ram 1500 trx.
something big was missing from the 2021 ford f-150 raptor's debut: the higher-performance raptor that we spied earlier this year resonating with a powerful v-8 rumble. ford did confirm, however, that it will be called the raptor r, and it'll arrive next year with its sights set on quickly going after the 702-hp ram 1500 trx.
the f-150 raptor debuted for 2010 with a 310-hp 5.4-liter v-8 under the hood, though for its second model year, ford added an optional 411-hp 6.2-liter v-8. the second generation raptor, which was revealed in 2015, got the switch to a 3.5-liter ecoboost v-6 making 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. the 2021 raptor (pictured above), now in its third generation, is still using ford's twin-turbo six—ford hasn't announced its power and torque figures—even though ram is clearly taunting ford (with savage easter eggs, that is) with its 1500 trx, which is powered by a 702-hp hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter v-8. the new truck also introduces the change to a coil-spring rear suspension, which is also found on the ram.
ford's strongest answer to the trx will be the raptor r. it's likely to be powered by a version of the predator supercharged 5.2-liter v-8 that makes 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque in the mustang shelby gt500. we expect the raptor r to have a more aggressive look as well that could include a different grille, fenders, wheels, and exterior graphics.
unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little longer for an adequate competitor to the ram 1500 trx, but by then, could stellantis shove the 797-hp hellcat redeye engine into the off-road pickup? that would certainly heat things up even more.