Ford confirms 2021 F-150 Raptor packs 450 hp   

When the third-generation F-150 Raptor broke cover earlier this year, Ford crowed about its aggressive exterior design, reworked interior, and performance hardware. However, one detail that the carmaker kept under wraps was just how much grunt the truck made under the hood.     

Now it can be told. The Blue Oval brand says that its new full-size sport pickup comes standard with 450 hp and 691 Nm of torque, courtesy of a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. If those figures sound familiar, that’s because the engine has been carried over from the outgoing model.

This will either delight those who were already impressed with the second generation’s performance or disappoint those hankering for more power. Ford brings encouraging news for the latter, as the V8-motivated Raptor R is reportedly on its way to a 2022 debut.

The latest F-150 Raptor rides on an all-new suspension setup that upgrades payload and towing  

Back to the standard F-150 Raptor. The rig brings a 10-speed automatic gearbox bolted on to a torque-on-demand transfer case, accompanied by an electronic locking rear differential and optional Torsen limited-slip differential on the front axle. A first for the Raptor is a selection of 35- and 37-inch tires, the largest ever fitted in its class straight from the factory.

The truck’s high-strength steel frame and aluminum composite shell are buoyed by an all-new five-link rear suspension featuring extended trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs. Next-generation Fox shock absorbers with adjustable damping soak up rough landings out on the dunes. These result in uprated capacities of 635 kg. for payload and 3,719 kg. for towing, both a 90-kg. improvement from the outgoing model.         

Ford's new full-size sport truck makes quite the visual impression

Changes come to the aesthetics as well. Sandwiched between the wider front skid plate and power dome hood is a redesigned fascia featuring a blacked-out grille and bigger headlamps. Meanwhile, occupants get to enjoy bolstered seats inside a cabin decked out in either aluminum or carbon fiber. The customizable 12-inch instrument cluster is accompanied by a 12-inch center screen, and future over-the-air updates endow the F-150 Raptor with more capabilities.   

Its cabin is now bristling with more tech than ever

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $64,145 (over Php 3 million), with the order books opening Stateside. Considering that the regular F-150 on our shores is still the previous generation, it might be a while before Ford’s latest sport truck makes its way to our showrooms, if at all.   

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