A 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is coming & the Ram Rebel TRX will be waiting…
The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor will be the third generation of this off-road truck when it debuts. It will be based on the 14th generation Ford F-150, which means lots of new tech, and possibly an upgraded power-train. The Raptor is immensely popular and it recently won our Truck Madness viewer choice series.
Seeing how the Raptor created this segment with ridiculously high levels of off-road performance, it’s no wonder the truck has inspired buyers. It is a “halo” vehicle that brings buyers in to the dealerships. While it isn’t exactly inexpensive, you would be hard-pressed to build a competitive truck (from stock) for less.
The 2021 Ram Rebel TRX will debut at the end of the summer.
Right now, we have very few confirmed details about the 2021 Ram Rebel TRX. We know its mission statement is to take on the Raptor, but we have yet to see any numbers, much less an undisguised version. Since the introduction of the concept at the Texas State Fair, the buzz has been pronounced.
We expect the supercharged Hellcat-based 6.2-liter V8 to make over 700 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers could be conservative, especially the torque numbers, but we don’t have the data to say for sure – yet. We do know that it sports a beefed up suspension, unique body panels, a unique interior and lots of go-fast goodies. This is based on our several views of test-mules and leaked information.
We suspect that Ram wants the TRX to surpass the Raptor in every measurable possible, which makes sense. Still, there is something to be said about Ford’s upcoming batch of new power-trains. This could get interesting.
Turbo V8 or hybrid turbocharged power-trains for the Raptor?
Currently, the Raptor has a 450 hp twin-turbo V6 that makes 510 lb-ft of torque. It’s hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission and it’s one of the fastest trucks we’ve ever tested. Still, with the massive potential of the TRX, it’s possible Ford may upgrade the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor.
We theorize that the hybrid system used in the Lincoln Aviator, might be a clue as to what Ford could produce. Right now, that plug-in hybrid system makes 494 hp and a massive 630 lb-ft or torque. That’s in a luxury SUV. Image if Ford beefs up that system and puts it into the next Raptor.
Before you dismiss this idea, keep in mind how crazy the idea of an EcoBoost was for the second generation Raptor among doubters. Also, another popular theory for the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is the return of a V8. Some fee it could be a boosted Coyote V8, or even the burly V8 used in the Ford Mustang GT 500. That bad boy makes 760 horsepower!
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