2021 Ford F-150 Raptor to offer turbo V6 and supercharged V8 variants

Rumours have been swirling for months on whether the new F-150 Raptor will employ a turbocharged V6 like its predecessor, or opt for Mustang GT500-derived, supercharged V8 power.

However, American publication Car and Driver appears to (at last) put those rumours to bed, claiming both six- and eight-cylinder engines will be offered for the first time.

Headlining the line-up for high-performance pick-up fans will be the arrival of a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 engine shared with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 pony car, which will be offered exclusively with a top-spec, hi-po 'Raptor R' model.

Above and top: Ford F-150 Raptor spy photos, courtesy of Ford Authority.

While outputs for the Raptor R's V8 have yet to be confirmed, it's understood the mill will be detuned from the Mustang's 567kW of power and 847Nm of torque, though Ford will likely ensure the bent-eight's figures are competitive with those of its closest performance truck rival, the 523kW/881Nm Ram 1500 TRX.

Serving as the 'entry-level' engine will be an "upgraded version" of the outgoing Raptor's 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6, with outputs likely to exceed its predecessor's 336kW and 692Nm.

An electrified hybrid version of the 3.5-litre turbo-six, badged under Ford's PowerBoost moniker, will also reportedly be on offer.

Car and Driver reports an array of visual and mechanical upgrades will be applied to match the Raptor's additional grunt over base F-150 models, including 35-inch BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres, wider wheel arches and the model's trademark 'FORD' script across the grille.

Above: Ford F-150 Raptor prototype spotted by F150gen14.com

According to the publication, the flagship Raptor R could up the visual aggression even further, with a unique grille, wider wheel arches, new wheels and wilder exterior decals.

Coil springs will also reportedly replace leaf springs on the rear axle.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor will make its full debut on 3 February 2021, the brand confirmed to a number of US media.