SPY PICS: V8 for new Ford F-150 Raptor

New spy footage showing the next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor all but confirms the American tough-truck will return to V8 power.

It’s no coincidence that barely a day after the desert-duelling RAM 1500 TRX with its stonking 522kW/881Nm blown V8 broke cover, a video of a camouflaged Ford F-150 Raptor with a gravelly V8-sounding exhaust note was sent to automotive media outlets.

The RAM 1500 TRX, or T-REX if you like – which eats Raptors, right? – is now the world’s fastest series production pick-up truck with a top whack of almost 200km/h.

But if the Ford F-150 Raptor is about to trade in its twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 (335kW 690Nm) for a supercharged V8, which is what the Automedia spy photography agency that nabbed this footage is claiming, then perhaps the TRX’s title as world’s fastest ute won’t last too long.

Ford recently launched its 14th-generation F-150 pick-up and the global premiere of the F-150 Raptor flagship is expected to take place in early 2021, so we’ll know soon enough if a return to V8 power is forthcoming.

According to Automedia’s source, the engine will be the same 5.2-litre supercharged V8 powerplant from the mighty Mustang Shelby GT500, which belts out an incredible 566kW of power and 847Nm of power.

With Shelby V8 muscle under the bonnet, it would give the F-150 Raptor enough power (but not torque) to win bragging rights over the TRX.

“Honestly, we had to counter RAM once we knew they installed the Hellcat in the TRX,” said Automedia’s source.

The spy shots also show rubber skirts hiding the rear suspension, which could mean the Raptor is swapping out its Fox Shox for a different set of off-road-ready dampers.

The Raptor name has expanded to include the Ford Ranger Raptor and there's talk the next-gen Ranger Raptor will also get an upsized engine in the form of a turbo-diesel V6, at least for Australia.

The new Ford Bronco could also get the Raptor badge.

While the Ford F-150 will not be offered in Australia direct from the factory, several conversion companies will bring the new model Down Under and the next-gen Raptor will most certainly be among them.