2021 Ford F-150 Raptor debuts: Raptor R coming soon

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor has officially made its global debut. It features a refined yet more aggressive look along with an improved suspension tuning as well as smart tech gizmos. 

From the looks of it, the new Ford F-150 Raptor is a truck built to conquer any terrain with the drive to satisfy one’s needs for some high-performance off-road experience. On the other hand, Ford has confirmed that the F-150 Raptor R will be making its debut next year.   

Exterior

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

The exterior of the next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor comes with a refined yet more aggressive look. To put things in perspective, the new F-150 Raptor comes with a more straightforward exterior design as compared to its predecessor. 

It is fitted with restyled LED headlights with inverted L-shaped signal lights. The F-150 Raptor also comes with a slimmer grille while the amber lights look sleeker and more distinctive. 

The front bumper also gets a new look and features design details that are more subtle. Moreover, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is equipped with a revamped hood design. It now has a new heat extractor and functional side vents at the top trailing edge of the fender. 

Rear of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

The rear, on the other hand, has new LED taillights that have a more modern design as compared to the outgoing model while the truck’s tailgate has also been tweaked. The F-150 Raptor is finished off with a set of 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in either a 35-inch or 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires.     

Interior

Inside, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor features a new dashboard layout that’s integrated with carbon fiber trims. The carbon fiber trims can also be seen at the door panels as well as in the center console. 

New dashboard layout

Also noticeable is the truck’s new steering wheel design that complements the 12-inch digital instrument cluster, which has Raptor-specific graphics, animations, off-road data, and turn-by-turn navigation. The 2021 F-150 Raptor also features a refreshed look for the aircon vents, center console, gear lever, and seat design. 

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor's new steering wheel design

Placed right at the center is a 12-inch infotainment system that features Ford’s SYNC 4 tech. The F-150 Raptor’s head unit is also integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. To add, the truck has an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

>>> Related: 2021 Ford F-150: Expectations and what we know so far

Tech & Safety

Ford believes that a high-performance off-road pickup is defined by its suspension. As such, the blue oval brand said that the 2021 F-150 Raptor has an improved suspension tuning. 

Ford says that the 2021 F-150 Raptor has a redesigned running gear as well as an all-new five-line rear suspension. With that in mind, the F-150 Raptor is said to deliver more control and power to the ground with greater confidence over rough terrain at high speeds.  

Built for high-performance off-road adventure

Moreover, the 2021 F-150 Raptor’s five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain. Of note, the truck is fitted with 24-inch coil springs. Ford wants to highlight the F-150 Raptor’s high-performance off-road capability by integrating the next-generation Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks. The automaker explains that it is an electronic control technology that’s designed to offer sensitive damping adjustability. 

Ford added that the F-150 Raptor’s largest-ever shocks are designed to better resist heat buildup and it is said to react even faster to terrain changes. This means that the truck can provide improved ride comfort while it’s driving through rough terrain. 

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor's 12-inch digital instrument cluster

Adding to the list of new features is the 2021 F-150 Raptor’s built-in X-pipe, “trombone loop” exhaust system. The driver can adjust the sound of the exhaust in four distinct modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. Other tech features included in the truck is Ford’s over-the-air updates, terrain management system, trail control, and a 360-degree camera.  

In addition, the truck is also equipped with Ford’s Over-the-air updates, Terrain Management System, Trail Control, and a 360-degree camera.

Engine

When it comes to power, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

However, Ford did not reveal if the said power unit has a greater output rating compared to the current 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. For reference, the current twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 450 hp and 691 Nm of torque. 

Ford F-150 Raptor R Coming Soon

Ford has confirmed that the F-150 Raptor R is happening and it will most likely arrive next year. In case you don’t know, the F-150 Raptor R is pegged to be the more powerful version of the F-150 Raptor. Reports are saying that the F-150 Raptor R could be powered by a V8 engine.

Well, if you ask us, it’s more likely that the F-150 Raptor R could indeed come with a V8 power unit. The reason for this is that Ford needs to launch its counterpunch to the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX.  

RAM TRX

The RAM TRX is currently being marketed as the “apex predator of the truck world.” That claim is backed up by the TRX’s 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine can make 702 hp and 881 Nm of torque. With that, the Ram TRX can easily eat the F-150 Raptor for breakfast.

As such, it seems that the RAM TRX can continue enjoying its breakfast buffet of F-150 Raptors since its more formidable opponent, the Raptor R, has yet to be unleashed.

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