With Ford you just don’t know what next step it can make. It didn’t need a long after the revolutionary redesign of its best-selling vehicle Ford F-150 in 2015 to surprise the fans with new generation of Ford Raptor. This off-road high-performance version has added more rugged appearance and macho interior on conventional model plus some serous off-road hardware accompanied with twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 for exceptional performance. But can Ford do even more than this. Well, according to some rumors it can and very soon with new 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8.
What can be new?
So, according to some insider sources still unconfirmed information has leaked that Blue Oval Brad is preparing additional boost for the Raptor model and it is nothing less than new 5.0 L twin-turbo EcoBoost V-8 engine to blow every possible competition from the sight. Everything is still blurry and unconfirmed but as we said with Ford you never know.
2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8: Design
So far available information about new 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8 doesn’t tell much about its appearance and possible changes in that regard because the focus is on the mentioned engine. However, considering that this model is fresh and new in that respect big changes are not expected.
The Raptor looks aggressive and capable and its exterior design just reflects its capabilities. It is distinguished from the conventional model with more rugged design which also includes some unique elements like blacked grille, raised ride height, added body cladding and extra inches in its wheelbase and width. These features make it unique but also serve to its main purpose improved driving capabilities.
Interior, Features
Inside, the new Raptor won’t also come with big changes in either styling or available equipment. Incremental upgrades will affect infotainments system but other aspects will likely be carry-over. That means we will again see deeply padded sports front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel accompanied with shift paddles, large center console, contrasting inserts and stitching and so on. However, it is likely that Ford will offer more standard equipment, additional safety features and new body colors.
2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8: New engine?
Of course that the most teasing about new 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8 is possibility that Ford will offer additional engine option. It may be strange that Ford wants to offer larger displacement despite of still popular downsizing trend. However, it is possible that with period of stable fuel prices Ford wants to offer next level of performance for its buyers. The rumored engine should take 5.0 liter V-8 form and it of course should exceed the capabilities of the current twin-turbo 3.5 liter EcoBosst V-6 by large margins. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been specified for what power and torque figures this new twin-turbo engine would be capable of but it should bring at least 100 additional horse powers and torque units.
On other hand, this model is expected to add additional revisions on suspension, braking system and some other elements in order to support additional power. It will likely use the current ten-speed auto transmission, and will also benefit from all-wheel drive and terrain management system. The current EcoBoost should be a base version for the 2018 Raptor.
2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8: Possible Arrival and Price
Everything about 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor V-8 hasn’t yet been confirmed and more information will have to emerge in order to affirm or deny these speculations. But if really on these speculations this model might come in late 2017 and its price should be more than $50k for the version with V-8 engine.