Ford announced the long-awaited horsepower ratings for the 2017 F-150 Raptor at the Texas State Fair on the heels of the official launch of the new off-road pickup this fall.
Ending all the speculation and rumor, Ford has set the specs for the new high-output version of the second-generation 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 at 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. That power will go down to earth through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Add this increase in horsepower to a new Raptor that Ford says is some 500 pounds lighter than the last one and this should add up to a substantial increase in performance when it comes to acceleration in addition to off-road capability.
All of this comes from its new high-output GTDI V6 EcoBoost V6. Like the lesser powered version found in the 2017 Ford F-150, it features both port and direct fuel injection, lighter rotating assemblies, a new valvetrain and computer controlled wastegate.
The Raptor gets more aggressive turbochargers with higher boost characteristics. They’re mounted to cast stainless steel manifolds and blow to the rear of the truck through a full dual exhaust system. The ECU of course has a far more aggressive tune.
Ford also says it will have fuel-economy improvements up to 23 percent. The official rating is 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. These numbers are achieved with a new auto-start-stop system for the engine and a unique transfer case with torque-on-demand control which basically means it’s two-wheel drive unless you actually need or ask for all-wheel drive.
The new transfer case allows for infinite control and traction behaviors through its Terrain Management System mode selector. It features user selections normal, sport, weather, mud/sand, rock/crawl and Baja. It’s not a new invention, but new to the Raptor and will give true enthusiasts the Type A control they will want.
Along with the increase in power comes the off-road agility afforded by the Raptor’s extra ground clearance and a dedicated frame design that’s beefed up considerably. Thicker 3-inch diameter Fox off-road shocks and a revised coil suspension will offer 13-plus inches of suspension travel.
Holding it to the earth or maybe grabbing it when the Raptor lands are 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels with what’s called “next-generation” BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires. Brakes are of course bigger too.
The 2017 Ford Raptor we’re told will start with pricing at just under $50,000 for the Super-Cab. This means of course $49,999 or something thereabouts. Crew Cab will likely be more popular in sales like before and will cost more accordingly.
I expect to test drive the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor very soon and will bring you a more detailed and off-road oriented review when that time comes.
