For over a decade, Ford has maintained a top position in the market when it comes to high-performing trucks. By steadily releasing the ultra-popular F-150 in several variants, it has solidified the truck as America’s favorite.
But it was only a matter of time until a rival came along. Enter the Ram 1500 TRX. Not wanting to relinquish its title, the Blue Oval came up right away with an answer to the TRX: the F-150 Raptor.
All the features that customers loved in the standard F-150 model can be found on the Raptor, including all-terrain tires, skid plates, and the longest travel suspension for any factory pickup when equipped with the base 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. But Ford is also amping it up even more.
In place of leaf-spring suspenders will be coil springs and links, including a Panhard rod. According to the automaker, this new design makes for better torque utilization and improved traction despite the control arms still underpinning the independent front suspension. It also means the truck is capable of delivering more speed on the sands.
The F-150 Raptor will also come with adaptive dampers for reliable shock absorption and rear dampers with external reservoirs. Live Valve technology allows the dampers to adapt to any terrain and anyone’s driving style, as well as vary the damping by as much as 500 times per second.
In terms of powertrain, the Raptor will be powered by either a twin-turbocharged V-6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost. There are no exact numbers yet, but it is expected to deliver more than 450 horsepower and up to 510 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The EcoBoost will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. For customers who are looking for a supercharged V8, though, Ford advises to wait for the Raptor R, which it confirmed will also be arriving next year.
Other features to expect from the Raptor include upgraded mounting points on the bed frames, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and over-the-air updates for the Sync 4 infotainment system. No Raptor variant will be offered with an extended cab; meaning, all models in the range come with a crew cab.
The final pricing for the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor has not been released, but it will likely fall within the $59,000 range.
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