All Hail The Next Ford Raptor!!

News

Posted on: 13-05-2016

Filed under All, Truck Talk

In case you’ve missed literally every commercial break for the last eighteen months, Ford has launched itself an all-new F-150. It’s fancy, it’s made from aluminum, and it sports the same big, fat pedals that were in my auntie’s 1986 Taurus. You may have even noticed that we got to play with one back in February and, all kidding aside, we were really impressed, especially by its twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. We did, however, find that the new model line lacks a certain je ne sais quios of the previous generation. It lacks the baddest factory off-road special in the world. It lacks the legendary Ford Raptor.

Fret not, faithful readers and casual social media clickers, as the loonies over at Ford’s Special Vehicle Team have cooked up an even badder replacement that’s due to drop this fall. Like the previous model, the 2017 Ford Raptor is largely based on the F-150 chassis with a largely modified suspension. Expect to find bigger Fox Racing shocks with more travel, some modified control arms, and flared front fenders to swallow the huge BF Goodwrench KO2’s that come standard. Also expect to find an interior that’s trimmed with all the latest in Ford’s luxury gadgets.

One thing that has actually shrunk on the 2017 Raptor is the engine displacement, which was accomplished by lopping off two cylinders. In place of the previous model’s 6.2L V-8 is the second generation of Ford’s now-familiar EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 that turns up in anything from loaded Tauruses to Lincoln MK-whatever those things are that they bring around when you click on Uber Black. In the Raptor, the 3.5L mill has the boost cranked up to best the outgoing 6.2L’s 411 horsepower. The new engine is mated up to Ford’s first application of a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of drivetrains, we’ve caught word that several F-150 test mules have been spotted out and about with the unmistakable rattle of compression ignition. We’re told that the turbocharged diesel in question may be sourced from Jaguar-Land Rover but none of this intel has been confirmed. Quite frankly, the thought of an oil-burning Raptor makes us literally jump for joy. Have any of you heard anything on the unofficial half-ton diesel rumors?

Our fearless operations director drives 2013 model with the 6.2L and it’s an total blast to rip around. With more power, ruggedness, and refinement than the old unit, the 2017 Ford Raptor is sure to be an absolute beast. Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it when you can simply watch the video.