Ford introduces the new F-150 Raptor performance model, which confirms the V-8 model

DETROIT: Ford Motor is increasing the capacity and performance of its redesigned F-150 Raptor performance model, including the addition of a new V-8 engine model.

Since debuting in 2009, the Raptor has been the winner of Ford and its range of vans. Despite accounting for a small amount of Ford’s 800,000 sales of full-size vans, the truck gets significant attention and profits for the company.

“Beyond being a halo product, which is fantastic, it’s a very strong business for us from a margin, money perspective,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford’s Americas and International Markets. He said it is among the “most profitable F-150 vehicles,” citing the Raptor’s pricing power and that the company should never discount the vehicle.

Ford refused to release Raptor’s annual sales. He said that over the past four years, the collection has cumulatively surpassed the full range of Porsche sports cars and General Motors ’Chevrolet Corvette. In perspective, GM has sold about 83,500 Corvettes since 2017.

The Raptor is based on Ford’s usual F-150 pickup, but loaded with a variety of off-road and performance features, from a new five-link suspension system to massive 35o tires. 37 inches. It is also larger than the normal model and features an increasingly distinctive design.

The current Raptor starts at about $ 55,000, but can top $ 75,000 with upgrades. Ford did not release the prices of the 2021 F-150 Raptor, which will hit showrooms this summer. The new F-150 Raptor “R” with V-8 engine is expected to be available next year.

“I think it’s great that our customers have that option,” Galhotra said of the V-8 model, which declined to discuss further details. “It was a direct response to the needs, wants, requests of our customers … Some wanted a more consumer-friendly version and that’s what we’ll create for them.”

The V-8 model follows the increased competition from Ram Trucks, which last year began producing a Ram 1500 TRX performance pickup with the car’s Hellcat V-8 engine. It is capable of 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Its top speed is 118 mph (limited by its all-terrain tires) and can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The new Raptor has improved off-road equipment and performance, as well as increased technology inside. The most notable differences from the previous generation are the new 12-inch driver’s cab and central control screens. The vehicle is also able to quickly update the features and performance of the car.

The new Raptor will have a 3.5-liter biturbo V-6 engine and has four exhaust modes with different noise levels: quiet, normal, sporty and Low. The company refused to release the expected power and torque from the engine. The current Raptor has 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.

“We are especially proud of what we have delivered to the escape. It is another great example of how we are always listening to our customers,” program director Tony Greco said during a media briefing. “They said they wanted a deeper, more threatening sound from Raptor’s EcoBoost engine, and they’ll get it.”