Is this an early 2017 Ford Raptor Prototype High Altitude Testing? [Video]

2017 ford raptor svt f150 test prototype high altitude testing colorado
2017 Ford Raptor prototype

Can this be an early 2017 Ford Raptor prototype testing at high altitude in Colorado? It has many peculiar elements that point to the Raptor. It sits high off the ground. It has BFG tires and Raptor style wheels. There is a dual exhaust system out back. The only and most substantial component it does not show is the wide off-road suspension with Fox shocks.

However, this truck could be a testing bed for the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission that is coming to the next Raptor. The upgraded V6 is rumored to make around 450 horsepower and exhale via the dual exhaust system.

2017-ford-raptor-prototype-rear

TFLtruck photographer also saw several other “standard” Ford F-150 trucks testing along side this prototype. Ford said that the 10-speed automatic transmission will propagate through the entire F-150 lineup down the line, so this could be the testing trip with the focus on the transmission.

The Prototype Hunting video is here.

What do you think? Is this an early 2017 Raptor mule or some other off-road package that Ford is working on? The truck bed does say FX4, but this truck’s stance and tire size is bigger than the current FX4 package.

Take a look at the 2017 Ford Raptor debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.