2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Less Thirst, More Brawn
We yearned and clamored for it; as soon as the new Ford F-150 was released, there were voices that asked if the brawny Raptor was going to come back. At the Detroit Auto Show, Ford finally reassured us that wildlife aficionados will be able to barrel down the woods in a new-and-improved F-150 Raptor.
First of all, the next-gen Raptor will eschew the big 6.2-litre V8. Under its aluminium hood will instead sit a modified version of Ford’s 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 mill. Ford did not announce exact performance numbers, but they did say that this powerplant would develop more power than the outgoing V8, which means that we can expect more than 410 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. To send this power to all four wheels, a 10-speed (!) automatic transmission will be used.
The rest of the truck is up to par: FOX Racing suspension, backup cameras, LED lights and a sophisticated traction control suite will be offered as standard equipment.
The Ford F-150 Raptor will be available starting in the autumn of 2016 as a 2017 model.