When Dodge put a Hellcat engine into the RAM TRX, it wasn’t a matter of if Ford would respond with F-150 counterpoint, but how and when. Widespread rumor says that “how” is a Raptor R armed with the GT500 powerplant, a supercharged Predator 5.2-liter V8.
My Not-So-Little Ponies
That’s major muscle compared to the third gen Raptor that Ford unveiled in February 2021, which packs the more modest 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Our sources tell us that the Raptor R will crank out a whopping 750 to 760 horsepower as a result. It’ll definitely have some towing pull…
“When” is “real soon.” Judging by these photos captured by our field agent on stakeout, we’re getting a clearer picture of some of the other upgrades now too. For one thing, the grille is different. You’ll note the blacked out logo on it, which is probably to cover up the “R,” if nothing else.
Exclusive rims are another distinguishing mark and its meatier trailing arms should work well with that V8 for the aforementioned towing duties.
Rumor also has it that Team Ford is targeting the TRX with the Raptor R all around. Two things are fairly certain, though: the Raptor’s off-roading genetics (off-roading (big ol’ tires, big ol’ suspension travel, low crawl ratio, etc) and a price to match. If everything plays out as expected, the Raptor R will go on sale later this year.
