We have patiently waited for the 2017 Ford Raptor to reach the dealership showrooms. It’s been nearly 20 months since the second generation Raptor concept officially made its debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The wait is almost over, as Ford tells us that first 2017 Raptors will start arriving at dealers in November 2016. Still, we don’t have the official power rating for the highly anticipated truck. Also, we have not driven one yet.
There is new unofficial information floating around the internet that the high output version of the Gen2 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the next Raptor will produce 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Is this power rating feasible? The horsepower rating seems a little high, considering that the “regular” version of the 2017 EcoBoost V6 in the F-150 makes 375 horsepower. However, 450 hp is precisely the target rating that Ford’s Chief Technology Officer, Raj Nair, called out back in 2015. The torque rating of 500 lb-ft looks more than doable. The F-150 version of the engine already makes 470 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm.
The bottom line is that the 2017 Ford Raptor will only be available with the turbocharged V6. Many enthusiasts are asking for a V8. While this wish may eventually come true, Ford has neither confirmed nor denied any future changes to the Raptor.
What do you think? Will the 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque in the Raptor satisfy you? Or will you be always wishing for a V8 in this truck, even if it is less powerful? Let us know in the comments below.
We know how much the 2017 Raptor will cost. The extended cab (super cab) will start at $49,520.
We now have a first impression of how the new 10-speed automatic transmission handles.
All we have to do now is drive the truck, which we hope to do soon.
Get all the details on the 2017 Raptor crew cab here.
