Ford Reveals New 2021 F-150 Raptor And Confirms V8-Powered Super Duper Raptor R For 2022

This is the new 2021 F-150 Raptor, Ford’s Baja-inspired super truck that now enters its third generation claiming to be even more off-road capable, more connected, and perhaps more importantly even better at jumping over stuff.

Ford is well aware of the F-150 Raptor’s iconic status and popularity, saying that over the last four years, the previous-generation model cumulatively outsold Porsche’s entire lineup of sports cars and also surpassed Chevrolet’s Corvette in sales.

At launch, the new 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor will be available with an updated twin-turbo 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 but way more interestingly, the carmaker did confirm the existence of the highly-anticipated Raptor R model with a V8 engine, which will debut next year.

V8-Powered Raptor R Confirmed For 2022

The 2022 F-150 Raptor R will be Ford’s answer to the 702 HP RAM 1500 TRX, and will most likely borrow the supercharged Predator V8 from the 760 HP Mustang Shelby GT500, possibly at a slightly de-tuned state. Ford didn’t reveal any further details on the flagship Raptor at this point other than acknowledging its existence.

The new F-150 Raptor continues the aggression theme of its predecessors, featuring a ‘fighter jet-inspired’ styling to make its presence known instantly. Key features include the power dome hood, the blacked-out grille, and the new headlights that theoretically stretch from fender to fender.

The power dome hood also features a new heat extractor, which complements the functional side vents on the top of the wider front fenders. The same theme continues at the rear, with the taillights getting the blacked-out treatment and an optional tailgate script to make the new 2021 F-150 Raptor look even wider.

In addition, both front and rear bumpers are made out of steel for durability, with the rear one specifically designed for high clearance, tucking the dual exhaust tips high up against the truck. Ford will offer Rigid off-road lights as an option, with the units being nicely integrated into the front bumper.

Updated Ecoboost V6 With Better Soundtrack

Under the bonnet of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, you’ll find a slightly revised version of the twin-turbo 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine, paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Ford didn’t reveal the final figures of the engine just yet because they are “not certified yet” but did confirm that these will be “relatively unchanged“ compared to the previous-gen model, which made 450 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque. Every new 2021 F-150 Raptor will come with a standard electronic locking rear differential and available Torsen front limited-slip differential.

The Blue Oval says this is the third-generation of the twin-turbo Ecoboost V6, featuring “state-of-the-art” turbochargers and a 10,5:1 compression ratio, as well as new high-power fans for the cooling system. An all-new equal-length active exhaust system with a built-in X pipe that allows the updated V6 engine to produce a “throatier” soundtrack, particularly in the louder Sport, and Baja modes. In addition, the 36-gallon fuel tank gives the new Raptor a projected driving range of more than 500 miles.

1-Pedal Drive For Off-Roading

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is also packing a lot of new technology to help owners with their off-road activities. There’s a new Terrain Management System with seven driving modes: Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl. These modes adjust steering feel, transfer case behavior, stability control, active valve exhaust, active damping system, throttle mapping, and transmission shift logic.

A new, Raptor-specific feature is the standard Trail 1-Pedal Drive, a system designed to aid in extreme off-road situations. The system simplifies the footwork of the driver by combining both acceleration and brake operations into the accelerator pedal – press to move forward, release to brake. The system is accompanied by the also standard Trail Control, which operates as a cruise control but for off-roading, an optional 360-degree camera package for spotter guidance, and more.

Up To 37-Inch Tires Straight From The Factory

For the first time in the truck’s history, Ford will offer the 2021 F-150 Raptor with either 35- or 37-inch tires – the largest factory-fitted rubber to a production light-duty full-size pickup truck.  The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor with the 37-inch tires offers a ground clearance of 13.1 inches, along with 33.1 degrees of approach angle, a maximum 24.9 degrees of departure angle, and 24.4 degrees of breakover angle.

Go for the “smaller” 35-inch tire package and the ground clearance is now 12 inches, the approach angle is 31 degrees, the maximum departure angle is 23.9 degrees and the breakover angle is 22.7 degrees. However, the 35-inch tires give the new F-150 Raptor outstanding wheel travel, with 14 inches at the front, and 15 inches at the rear.

A Stronger Frame With A New 5-Link Rear Suspension

The biggest news however can be found under the skin; the 2021 F-150 Raptor sits on a fully boxed high-strength steel frame that’s been reinforced in key areas, like the front shock towers which are now taller and stronger, redesigned ‘off road-friendly’ trailing arm brackets, stronger rear shock brackets and of course the new coil spring brackets.

That’s right, Ford has reengineered the rear suspension to a new, Raptor-specific five-link setup with coil springs in order to deliver more control and power to the ground and give the driver greater confidence over rough terrain at high speeds. The new five-link rear suspension comes with extra long trailing arms to better maintain axle position, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs -the longest in the segment.

“Raptor is rooted in Baja 1000 racing, and its suspension advances our capability and performance – a five-link rear setup with more wheel travel than any Raptor before it,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “And like a trophy truck, every aspect of Raptor has been engineered to deliver precision capability when your foot is flat on the floor, way out in the middle of nowhere roaring across the desert.”

The Fattest And Most Clever Shocks Ever Installed In A Raptor

Another highlight is the new electronically controlled Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks with position-sensitive damping adjustability. These are the largest shocks ever installed on a Raptor, featuring anodized aluminum bodies that measure 3.1 inches in diameter filled with an all-new low-friction fluid specially designed to decrease frictional losses for better comfort off and on the pavement. The Live Valve shocks come with new, race-proven electronically controlled base valves that allow up to 1,000 lbs of damping per corner at desert speeds.

Ford claims that the new suspension sensors around the new F-150 Raptor can change the damping rates independently at each corner 500 times per second, enabling the truck to respond by the time the driver even registers a terrain change. If you go for the larger 37-inch tires, you’ll also get a different set of Live Valve shocks with them.

So what do we think about the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor? While it has no more power than before, you can’t argue with Ford’s approach to improving every aspect of their new Baja-inspired truck. And if you still need more power, then the 2022 Raptor R is coming and is probably hungry for some T-Rex.