2017 Ford Raptor: Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know [Video]

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2017 Ford Raptor

The 2017 Ford Raptor may not be ready for production until the end of 2016, but it holds a few big surprises.

You may already realize that the next F-150 Raptor will have an all aluminum body, based on the 2015 truck. However, did you know that the latest ultra-high-strength steel frame is being further reinforced for Raptor use? Ford is very serious about this and says they carefully studied customer feedback from the previous generation truck. There were a few stories of people bending their frames. It looks like Ford is looking to eliminate this problem in the future.

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Ford says that the 2017 Raptor is around 500 pounds lighter than a comparable 2014 model.

The next Raptor also brings larger diameter Fox off-road shocks and the suspension system that provides more travel. Ford would not reveal the exact specs, but increased capability is the key message they want to communicate.

Perhaps the most controversial news is the next generation 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine under the hood. It’s said to make more power than the current 6.2L V8. That is over 411 horsepower from the twin-turbo six cylinder. It exhales through a true dual exhaust system, but the big question is – how will it sound at full tilt? Can this setup replace the traditional V8?

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Then there is the 10-speed automatic transmission. You read that correctly. It’s a ten speed. This transmission will make its way to many F-150 models within the next couple years, not just the Raptor.

There are updates on the inside as well, but Ford says the materials and finish are not yet finalized. These is an upgraded terrain management system that allows for more fine tuning in the various drive modes to allow for maximum traction.

What this insider TFLtruck interview from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show to learn as much as we could get.