Ford Raptor Rumored to Receive Supercharged V8
With the current Ford F-150 having been with us since 2015, the manufacturer has to start getting serious about its replacement. However, before the fourteenth generation of the F-Series arrives, Ford needs to make sure the public hasn’t tuned out on the current model. Automakers frequently release special edition models late in a product’s lifespan to do just that. While the F-150 doesn’t need much help, what with being America’s best-selling automobile for decades, it will get the same treatment.
However, unlike the bevy of appearance packages that are currently clogging up the industry, Ford is rumored to have something more meaningful planned for the full-sized pickup. Rather than simply updating the graphics or incorporating a new suspension setup, Ford apparently wants to wedge the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 from the Shelby GT500 into the Raptor — thereby giving it a proper sendoff.
While just a rumor at present, Car and Driver said the details were confirmed by several unnamed sources from within the company. No launch date was given but the model would have to debut before the end of 2021 if it’s to maintain a comfortable distance with its replacement. That may also to place it in a fine position to go head-t0-head with the Ram TRX — Fiat Chrysler’s answer to the Raptor, rumored to come equipped with a Hellcat motor and plenty of ground clearance.
It’s expected that the TRX’s (probable) 6.2-liter Hemi will be setup to emphasize torque over horsepower. Previews of the model, when it still was an engineering concept, included a spec sheet with 575 hp written on it — substantially less than the Charger or Challenger SRT Hellcat. That may also be the overriding recipe for the special-edition Raptor but the outlet admitted the exact details surrounding the matter were still somewhat nebulous.
From Car and Driver:
At this point, we only know that the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 is slated to make more than 700 horsepower in its Mustang Shelby GT500 application, so it’s safe to assume that the V-8 will provide a similar amount of power in the Raptor pickup. Ford and GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission seems like it would be plenty stout to hold up to this engine, given that it’s used in the 650-hp Camaro ZL1, while Ford could easily source a sturdy enough live rear axle from component supplier Dana.
[Images: Ford Motor Co.]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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This is long since due, the Raptor has been a joke since it lost the 6.2L, why Ford made the engine sound like a weed eater in what was supposed to be a halo truck is mind boggling.
The 2nd and last Gen of the Lightning continued in production nearly 2 years after the new Gen F150 was released. The Raptor is unique enough to hang awhile once the next Gen F150 is released (ala BMW M4). Especially if it indeed becomes available with a SC 5.0.