2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R Prototype Spied Sounding Rather Awesome

This F-150 Raptor R prototype is audible proof that Ford will once again produce a Raptor with a proper V8.

One of the worst kept secrets in the automotive world is the fact that Ford will once again be selling a Raptor with V8 power very soon. While the automaker has remained tight-lipped about this fact, it did reveal that the Raptor R was coming in 2022, and we know from many internet rumors exactly what it will be. The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R will hit the market packing the 5.2-liter Predator V8 from the Mustang Shelby GT500, and now we know what it will sound like.

Ford Authority recently spied an F-150 Raptor R prototype out driving around and managed to capture some footage of its intoxicating V8 soundtrack. Needless to say, we’re quite enamored with the fact that Ford will be selling the Raptor with the most powerful V8 it currently sells, and feel like the sounds it makes fit its rugged styling far better than the current 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 model.

There’s just something about a V8 pickup that feels right, and while we must admit that the new EcoBoost and even PowerBoost hybrid are seriously fantastic powerplants, they just don’t sound right. This F-150 Raptor R prototype, however, sounds like it’s ready to behead any Ram TRX that it lines up against, and it most likely will do just that with no problem.

Most expect the R to offer up around 750 horsepower, which is a bit less than the GT500’s 760. Regardless, that’s far better than the TRX’s supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which produces 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Ram has put quite a bit of effort into poking fun at the Raptor with some Easter eggs and by proclaiming the TRX the “quickest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world,” but it is only holding that crown temporarily.

The F-150 Raptor R won’t just be a regular Raptor stuffed with a giant supercharged V8, either. Recent reports indicate that it will also feature a fortified suspension, numerous chassis enhancements, unique styling touches, and beadlock-capable wheels wrapped with massive off-road tires, just like its V6-powered counterpart. Now, we just wonder how much this dream Raptor will cost, and whether or not it will be a super-limited, difficult-to-obtain gem or a more widely available offering.

Photos: Ford

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.