The 2021 model year Ford Raptor might only have launched in June, but there's already plenty of rumors surrounding next year's model. For 2022, the fastest version of the F-150 will get even faster, with a new Raptor R available that features some mind-boggling specs. The 2021 Raptor is already a pretty crazy truck, with 450 hp on tap for drivers and a suite of suspension and bodywork upgrades to ensure that it's built as tough as it looks.
The level of detail for 2021 is something Ford has clearly worked on, as they've gone to the trouble of adding new carbon fiber trim and, for some reason, the paddle gear shifters off the Mustang Shelby GT500. Why? Who knows, but it's a cool feature nonetheless. It's safe to say that with the 2021 model, the Raptor has never been so good, so for the 2022 model year, Ford has given itself a lot to live up to. So will the new 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R be able to live up to those expectations and more? Let's take a look at what we already know about it and find out.
8 It's Not Arriving Until Late 2022
First things first, it's important for any wannabe buyers of this new super-powered Raptor to not get their hopes up. As mentioned earlier, Ford only opened the order books for the 2021 model year Raptor in June, so it's very unlikely that the new Raptor R will be available before mid-2022.
There have already been leaks from sources close to production that suggest that the 2022 Raptor isn't going to arrive until very late in 2022, and that's without any extra delays. With issues like the ongoing pandemic and the global chip shortage, it will likely be closer to 2023 that we'll finally get to see the new Raptor unveiled.
7 It Could Feature Ford's Predator V8
One particularly exciting rumor is that the new Raptor will feature the Blue Oval's supercharged 5.2L V8 engine, although the exact power output isn't known yet. Those rumors suggest it will be significantly more powerful than the 2021 Raptor model.
In fact, there have been suggestions that the Raptor R will make up to 750 hp, which would put the engine's output close to the Mustang Shelby GT500, which makes 760 hp. That's a seriously big number for a truck of this size and would put it in a class of its own in terms of performance.
6 The Suspension Will Be Even Tougher
With such an increase in power expected, it's no surprise that Ford will have to toughen up many other components of the truck to cope with the increased stresses that will be placed upon them. One key element of that is the suspension, which will reportedly be completely overhauled for the 2022 model year.
In previous years there have been some viral videos where the suspension of the Raptor has failed after hitting a large jump at speed. Given the reported power increase for 2022, it's very likely that owners of the Raptor R will want to put it through its paces in a similar manner. Therefore, it's imperative that Ford makes the suspension as tough as possible to avoid any more embarrassing fail videos.
5 It'll Come With Upgraded Wheels And Tires
Just as important as the suspension is having good tires, and it's expected that Ford will ensure that the wheels and tires of the 2022 Raptor are upgraded in line with the other components.
There's not a lot known about the specifics of these upgrades yet since Raptor R testing mules have been spotted on the road wearing the 2021 Raptor's tires and wheels. Presumably, details on this will come at a later date when the development of the truck is closer to completion.
4 It Won't Look That Different
Like many of the details we have so far, this is based on leaks and rumors, but it's been suggested that the Raptor R won't look vastly different from the current 2021 Raptor model. So far, the only difference that's been spotted on the test mules is a revised hood and new rear fenders.
A leak has suggested that there will be a new grille that's specific to the Raptor R model, but other than that it's thought that the truck will look roughly the same. Depending on how much flashy trim Ford decides to add last minute, that could make the new Raptor a real sleeper.
3 There's Going To Be A Significant Price Increase
Unsurprisingly, with all these new upgrades and the leap in power output, there's going to be a significant price increase for the 2022 Raptor R. It's not known exactly how much yet, but the current 2021 Raptor costs $65,850. A Ram TRX starts at a base price of $71,690, and given the Raptor R will be more powerful than the TRX Ford will likely price it even higher.
2 There Should Still Be A Regular Raptor Model
Buyers who don't want to spend well over $70k on a new Raptor R will be pleased to know that there's no indication that the standard Raptor model will be going anywhere for 2022. It's likely to be exactly the same as the 2021 model, with minimal changes in trim and infotainment.
The order books have reportedly been filling up fast for 2021 so Ford may open up orders for the 2022 standard Raptor before they unveil the Raptor R. Although, with no official word from the company on this, we'll just have to wait and see.
1 Ford Plans On Making A Range Of Raptor Models
To make life a little more confusing, the F-150 Raptor will soon no longer be the only Raptor available from Ford. They've already announced that the Bronco will gain a Raptor version in late 2022 or 2023, although very little is known about it yet.
The recent announcement of the 2022 model year Ford Ranger has also brought about speculation that there will be a Raptor version. A Ranger Raptor has been sold in markets like Australia and the UK for several years now, but it's being discontinued with the introduction of the new generation of the truck. It seems likely though that a new generation of Ranger Raptor will eventually be unveiled, but whether it will be sold in the US this time remains unknown.