When Ford debuted the redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor today, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker, the audience was stunned. There was no V8. They had thought there would be one. They were convinced. They were bragging about it to the world.
Was it a let down? Perhaps. But, Ford has a plan. It’s name is the Ford F-150 Raptor R.
Ford was able to keep much of the new Raptor’s information under wraps until the cover was pulled off on the model. What about the Raptor R? Let’s dig in and find out what is and isn’t known about the upcoming model.
It will have a V8.
A Ford spokesperson confirmed to Motor Authority that the new Raptor R will be powered by a V8. Naturally aspirated? Turbocharged? Supercharged? They weren’t saying anything more, however, Ford rep Mike Levine tweeted an image later giving a clue.
Ford used Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” music in promos for the new Raptor, but perhaps the focus on the album artwork here, depicting a snake, could be the subject Levine is alluding to.
In its handbag, Ford has a 760-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that is found under the hood of its Mustang Shelby GT500. It would make sense that the company would be looking to put this engine in the Raptor R as the truck’s closest competition, the Ram TRX, has a Hellcat-derived power plant that makes over 700 horsepower.
If Ford decides to go with the same engine as is in the Mustang GT500, the question becomes, “Will they mate it to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 10-speed automatic ?” A 10-speed is standard on the 2021 F-150 Raptor.
It will be street legal.
Despite conflicting reports this morning, it has now been confirmed that the Raptor R will be street legal. This means that the truck will have the requisite lighting, signals, and safety equipment to meet government standards for roadworthiness. In other words, it’s not a strict desert racing truck for sanctioned events. It will be a vehicle buyers will be able to get from their local dealership.
Expect performance upgrades and maybe a fiercer appearance.
The new Raptor already looks swell, but the Raptor R could look swole. Aside from the (likely) requisite V8 and Raptor R badging, the new model could get a more aggressive front end, perhaps with more skid plate showing. Maybe some colored tow hooks, a roof rack, a light bar, and blacked side mirrors caps? On the tailgate, perhaps a colored “Ford” that matches the tow hooks? They’re just thoughts from the AutomotiveMap team, but certainly all a possibility.
The Raptor R won’t be here this year.
As American author James Campbell once said, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” The twin-turbo V6-powered 2021 Raptor will come first with the V8-engined Raptor R coming in 2022. Will it be a 2022 or 2023 model year vehicle? That remains unclear.
