Ford F-150: Raptor to get Serious Bite With V8

Ford F-150 fans rejoice: the Raptor’s teeth are about to get even sharper with a new V8 engine, according to Ford Authority.

 

F-150 on the Hunt

 

Ford F-150 trucks are one of America’s most beloved trucks, especially the Raptor edition. Beating in the chest of the beast currently is an already-impressive 450 hp, 510 lb.-ft. of torque V6. While the EcoBoost-equipped engine can certainly handle itself, the roar of the Raptor has been a bit weak for some tastes since the V8 was dropped this generation. Concerns have been heard, and it appears Ford is making moves to make sure everyone hears the Raptor coming.

 

Raptor Ready to Pounce

 

According to a report from Ford Authority, a new V8 engine is being developed to take the Raptor to even higher extremes. Having spoken to several sources at the automobile company, Ford Authority broke the news that an eight-cylinder engine is being readied for a new “ultra-high-performance” Raptor variant. With specifics on the engine unavailable, speculation is rampant about which powerhouse will be chosen for this upcoming Raptor.

Ford Authority claims that the competition is between two existing Ford engine. The first potential choice is the sports car-style powerhouse of the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT 500, the 5.2-liter V8 Voodoo. Another candidate showing promise in the rumor world is that of the upcoming 2020 Ford Super Duty, the 7.3-liter V8 Godzilla.

 

Sharpening the Ford Claws

 

Details on the two engines are scarce, with Godzilla proving especially elusive. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby will certainly need some serious firepower under the hood, which the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 should bring. Ford Authority reported that it will bring more than 700 horsepower to the table, though official figures from Ford are not yet available.

The 2020 Ford Super Duty’s “Godzilla” is even more of an enigma. The 7.3-liter should live up to the monster moniker, as Ford claims that it will be “the most powerful V8 in its class.” Ford Authority reported that code-name “Godzilla” will sport an OHV, or OverHead Valve, layout.

Though no deeper details are known, Ford wouldn’t be changing the engine up if it meant a downgrade in performance. The Raptor’s current engine, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost High Output V6, is capable of 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque. “Godzilla” should make a mockery of those numbers, especially as it is meant for the Super Duty.

 

Welcome to Jurassic Bark

 

With one engine coming from a show-stopping sports car and the other a heavy-hauling workhorse truck, the upcoming F-150 Raptor appears to bring the best of both worlds in one package. No matter which engine ends up under the hood of this new ultra-high-performance Raptor, Ford Authority reported fans will still be able to opt for the current HO 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Though with such a fun and ferocious new choice in the lineup, picking this lesser engine would be like trying to put the truck in a cage. We all know what happens when you try to lock up dinosaurs …

 

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Tags: F-150, Ford, Godzilla, Mustang, Raptor, Shelby, Super Duty, V8
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