TRX Hunter: Ford previews GT500-powered F-150 Raptor R

Ford and Ram's Jurassic duel continues.

The Blue Oval used to rule the super-truck market before the Ram 1500 TRX came charging with over 700 PS of brute force. But this year, the F-150 Raptor has gained muscle car power of its own, and it's coming back to take its rightful place at the throne.

It's now been confirmed by Ford CEO Jim Farley himself that the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R will have the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine called “Predator”. In a short Twitter video, the distinct V8 sound resonated as the Raptor R is being tested in the Southern Californian desert.

If the name “Predator” sounds familiar, it's the same high-performance engine powering the Shelby GT500. In the Mustang, the V8 makes 760 PS and 847 Nm of torque. However, Ford has yet to announce the official power figures for the Raptor R. But based on the GT500's numbers, it's already a clear match to the TRX. In addition, the Raptor R will reportedly use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Other details shown on the leaked dealer sticker include the Raptor R's 37-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires and electronically-controlled front and rear locking differentials.

As it stands, we should expect more details to come out before Ford reveals the F-150 Raptor R sometime later this year.