Ford F-150 Raptor: third generation arrives in 2021

The Ford F-150 Raptor is widely regarded as one of the most extreme pick-ups on the planet, and in 2021 it moved into its third generation with expectations sky-high.

Alongside the “standard” model, this hard-core American pick-up-whose Ranger Raptor sibling can be seen as a scaled-down take on the same idea-is also set to gain an even more powerful derivative powered by a V8.

For now, details on the F-150 Raptor R remain scarce, other than confirmation it will use a V8 to take on the Ram 1500 TRX. Which V8 will it be? The rumour mill points in two possible directions: either the 5.2-litre supercharged V8 found in the Mustang Shelby GT500, or Ford’s 7.3-litre V8.

And the “standard” version

The “standard” F-150 Raptor sticks with the previous generation’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. Updated for this new F-150 Raptor, its power and torque figures are still unknown.

In terms of styling, the latest generation stays true to the aggressive look of its predecessors, featuring steel bumpers and a twin exhaust outlet. As an option, the F-150 Raptor can also be specified with lights designed for off-road use.

Dynamics to match the performance

Every new F-150 Raptor comes as standard with an electronic rear differential, while a front Torsen differential is available as an option.

As you would expect, the new Raptor brings a range of new technologies intended to help when the going gets tough. One is the new “Terrain Management System”, offering seven driving modes: “Slippery”, “Tow/Haul”, “Sport”, “Normal”, “Off-Road”, “Baja” and “Rock Crawl”.

These modes tailor the response of the steering, transmission, stability control, the active exhaust valve, throttle mapping and the active damping system.

On the subject of damping, the job is handled by the new electronically controlled Fox Live Valve dampers-the biggest and fastest ever fitted to a Raptor. According to Ford, they can adjust damping rates 500 times per second.

The biggest changes are “under the skin”

The headline updates on the new Ford F-150 Raptor are found in its ladder-frame chassis, which has been strengthened and reworked to accommodate a suspension developed specifically for the Raptor.

Tyres can be either 35” or 37”, with the latter being the largest tyres fitted to a pick-up of the Raptor’s size. Thanks to them, the pick-up achieves standout off-road angles: 33.1º approach, 24.9º breakover and 24.4º departure.

Interestingly, adopting these tyres forced Ford to modify the production line so F-150 Raptors running them would fit, with the solution taking 15 months to find.

For the moment, it is still unclear whether the F-150 Raptor will come to Europe; however, it would not surprise us to see it imported, as happens with the Mustang Shelby GT500.