Here's the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
**The New Ford Raptor: A Beast Reborn**
Are you ready for an all-new Ford Raptor? It doesn’t matter because this monster is soaring through the desert on its way to you. No matter what you say, Ford has launched a redesigned F-150 for 2021, and it’s no surprise that the Raptorized version isn’t far behind. This truck, according to Ford, is the most off-road capable and connected F-150 Raptor ever.
### A Glimpse Back: The Evolution of the Ford Raptor
Back in 2010, Ford’s SVT division delivered a truck that was focused on true off-road dune-smashing performance. The first-generation Raptor came with tried-and-true Fox shocks, a locking rear differential, and a limited-slip front diff. It also featured beefy KO tires and a choice of V8 engines. While the 5.4-liter engine was sufficient, it was the 6.2-liter V8 that delivered impressive power, producing 411 horsepower.
In 2011, Ford ditched the smaller mill for the better engine after some frame-smashing and donkey-kicking shenanigans became infamous on YouTube. The second-generation Raptor arrived in 2017, bringing a new look and a new powerplant—a controversial choice. Gone was the V8, replaced by a three-and-a-half-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. Despite critics’ concerns, this engine produced 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to propel the truck on its 35-inch all-terrain tires.
In 2019, the Raptor was upgraded again with new shocks from Fox Racing. The truck now ran Fox Live Valve shocks, which constantly scanned and adjusted damping rates on the fly. Ford noted that the last-gen Raptor outsold Porsche’s entire lineup of sports cars and even the Corvette, making it America’s real sports car.
### Competing in a New Era
The latest Raptor was the king of the hill with no real competition until Ram dropped the insane 702 horsepower TRX. Now, Ford is back with a brand-new Raptor, ready to put up a good fight. Even without V8 power, the truck continues to evolve, featuring a five-link rear suspension with super long trailing arms, massive springs, and a Panhard rod. Fox Live Valve shocks are still employed, adjusting damping rates independently up to 500 times per second—faster than your brain can process.
### Technical Specifications and Features
Speaking of tires, Ford will offer the Raptor with 35-inch KO2s but also introduces an option for massive 37-inch tires. On the 35-inch tires, the Raptor has a 12-inch ground clearance, a 31-degree approach angle, 23.9-degree departure angle, and a 22.7-degree breakover angle. Upgrading to 37s increases ground clearance to 13.1 inches, with an approach of 33.1 degrees, departure of 24.9 degrees, and breakover of 24.4 degrees.
The front wheel travel is 14 inches, while the rear is 15 inches. Ford remains faithful to the three-and-a-half-liter EcoBoost under the hood, expected to produce the same power as before. Paired with a standard 36-gallon fuel tank, the projected driving range is 500 miles, assuming you’re not flat-footing it through the desert.
The exhaust system has been reworked, featuring true active adjustment with quiet mode, normal, and sport settings—plus a Baja setting for those who love off-road adventures. The Raptor also features Pro Power On Board, allowing you to use your truck as a mobile generator. It provides 2 kilowatts of power for tools, camping lights, and anything else needing juice on the go.
### Interior Features
Inside, the new Raptor gets a customizable 12-inch gauge cluster with Raptor-specific graphics. The center stack features another 12-inch display that can be run in split-screen mode, showing exactly as much or as little as you like. On the outside, Ford keeps the aggressive styling we expect from a Raptor, including a new heat extractor on the hood and functional vents on the fenders. The skid plate is wider for greater coverage, extending more towards the front. You can add rigid lights to the front bumper, with three different 17-inch wheel choices available, two of which have bead-lock capability.
### Looking Ahead: The Raptor R
While this new Raptor sounds like a sweet truck, it can’t quite match the outright power and fury of Ram’s TRX. But stay tuned—rumors suggest that a Raptor R is on its way next year, with supercharged V8 power under the hood. This could be the real Kong vs. Godzilla battle in the summer adventure we’re all after.
In conclusion, Ford’s latest Raptor is a beast reborn, combining decades of off-road experience with cutting-edge technology to create a truck that’s as capable and connected as ever. Whether you’re tackling the desert or just hitting the trails, this Raptor is ready to take on any challenge. Stay tuned for more updates as we await the arrival of the Raptor R—because Ford isn’t done yet!