(By Tom Lohnes) – The new Ford F-150 Raptor has arrived, and it looks pretty much the same, which isn’t a bad thing.
Packing 450 horsepower, a heavy-duty 10-speed automatic, and Fox racing Shocks, the new Raptor takes the previous-gen rig and rearranges everything a little bit. Front end styling is the biggest departure from the old truck, with a horizontal grille and headlights that surround it.
Around back, the Raptor looks untouched, until you look under it. What lies under the bed of this supertruck is a very odd exhaust setup. With bends and curves like a trombone, Ford has attempted to give the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 a livelier exhaust note, which it will need to even hold a candle to the raucous Ram 1500 TRX. Inside lies an interesting mix of materials for a street-legal Baja truck, with suede on all the major touchpoints, and blue leather.
Chances are this truck won’t be a capable as the TRX, but the Ford Faithful will be paying less for a truck with near-endless aftermarket support, and there’s rumors a V8-powered Raptor R is in the works. That Raptor R will likely be carrying the 760hp engine from the Mustang GT500. THAT is the one the Dodge boys should be sweating about.
Can’t wait for the Youtubers posting Raptors busting in half when they try jumping them.
No V8 = No buy. Last thing I want is a performance truck that sounds like some kids Honda with a fart can on it.
I actually love my ecoboost F150, I couldn’t afford nor justify the cost of a Raptor, but I’d really love to have one.