Ford isn’t going after the Ram 1500 TRX with a V8 F-150 Raptor… at least, not yet.
The F-150 Raptor unveiled this morning is still powered by a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, but the Ford F-150 Raptor R coming next year will be available with a V8 engine.
For now there’s a new Raptor based on the latest F-150 pickup, using a development of the previous car’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. Ford has yet to reveal the new Raptor’s power and torque figures, but the outgoing model had 335kW and 690Nm.
To help cool the engine there’s a heat extractor on the bonnet and functional vents built into the fenders.
Fitted with a standard 136L fuel tank, the Raptor is said to a driving range of over 800 kilometres.
The twin-turbo V6 is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a four-wheel drive system with an electronic locking rear differential and a Torsen limited-slip front differential.
Specially-designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are available in either 35- or 37-inch sizes.
Fitted with 35-inch rubber, the Raptor has a running ground clearance of 305mm, an approach angle of 31 degrees, departure angle of 23.9 degrees, and a breakover angle of 22.7 degrees.
With the larger 37-inch tyres, the Raptor can now clear objects 333mm high. The approach angle is improved to 33.1 degrees, while the departure angle (24.9 degrees) and breakover angle (24.4 degrees) are also increased.
The electronically controlled Fox Live Valve shocks have a diameter of 79mm, and can be automatically adjusted up to 500 times per second. The five-link rear suspension has extra-long trailing links, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch (610mm) coil springs.
Visually, the Raptor is easy to pick out from lesser F-150 models thanks to its wider fenders, wheel arch extensions, a power dome on the bonnet, black grille with bold Ford lettering, a prominent bash plate up front, new bumpers, and unique headlights and tail-lights.
Inside, the Raptor comes with heavily bolstered seats, aluminium paddle shifters, a steering wheel with a top centre mark, aluminium trim accents, a 12.0-inch digital instrumentation panel, and Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment system all as standard.
Options include Recaro seats, carbon-fibre trim, 360-degree camera system, and an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The F-150 Raptor goes on sale in the US during the northern summer, while the Raptor R will become available some time in 2022.
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