News about the Ford F-150 Raptor has been a constant source of shock for truck fans. In June, we were surprised to learn it'll definitely arrive for the 2021 model year rather than 2022, and last month, we learned a Ram TRX-rivaling, supercharged V8 model is a near-certainty. Now, reputable sources suggest the V8 won't be the Raptor's only engine option, and that Ford will mainly produce the 2021-onward Raptor as a hybrid.
This rumor broke via a video uploaded by The Fast Lane Truck which, citing "inside sources," reports that the 700-plus-horsepower, Mustang Shelby GT500-hearted Raptor will be a limited-edition model. Instead, it says, most Raptors will derive propulsion from a drivetrain called "PowerBoost HO," invoking the name of both the new F-150's hybrid V6 engine option and Ford's historic High Output moniker.
PowerBoost on the non-performance F-150 hybrid is more or less the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a 47-horsepower electric motor bolted to the side. No official power figures have been published, but the outlet's napkin math suggests that boost applied to a 2020 Raptor would escalate power to at least 497 horse, and leaving it just south of 500 seems like something Ford wouldn't do.
Horsepower far in excess of 500, however, seems unlikely. While TFL points out that the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring generates 494 horse and 630 pound-feet of torque from a smaller, 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, said Lincoln is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and Ford isn't currently expected to produce the 2021-plus F-150 with such a powertrain.
Instead, the new F-series will be available with traditional internal combustion engines, the aforementioned PowerBoost hybrid V6 option, and a fully electric model as soon as next year. While no rumors of a performance variant of the electric F-150 have yet reached our ears, it'd present Ford a golden opportunity to revive the Lightning nameplate, no?
When contacted for comment on its plans for the 2021 F-150 Raptor's powertrains, a Ford spokesperson declined to comment.
Update 09/1/2020: This article has been updated to replace an erroneous reference to a nonexistent Navigator PHEV with citation of the Aviator Grand Touring.
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