New Details Surrounding the V8-Powered 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R Emerge

Very little is known about the forthcoming 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R, but these details are enough to whet our appetite.

When Ford revealed the all-new 2021 F-150 Raptor earlier this year, it was both an exciting and disappointing moment. Exciting because the third-gen Raptor looks great, has a ton of new tech, and a coil spring rear suspension. Disappointing because, well, there was no word on the oft-rumored V8-powered Raptor, save for one tiny line at the end of the press release that said an F-150 Raptor R version would be coming next year.

Otherwise, it’s been all crickets regarding this mysterious 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor R – until now. Ford Authority managed to dig up a few key details about the forthcoming Ram TRX killer, and while some don’t come as a major surprise, they’re rather tantalizing nonetheless. It all starts on the outside where, as one might imagine, the Raptor R will look a bit different than the regular, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6-powered model.

The Raptor R will reportedly wear a front grille that’s slightly different than the “base” Raptor, with a few tweaks to make it unique. However, fret not – the R will still sport that large “Raptor” script that has become one of the truck’s signature styling elements. The R will also roll on a set of unique wheels, in this case, finished in gloss black and fitted with beadlocks for owners that want to get serious about their off-roading ventures.

Lastly, Ford Authority reports that the Raptor R will come equipped with an even beefier version of the 2021 F-150 Raptor’s new rear suspension, which will feature a number of structural enhancements including thicker trailing arms. Most likely, this is a necessity given the fact that the R will be powered by Ford’s mighty, supercharged, 5.2-liter Predator V8, which is expected to produce around 750 horsepower when it lands in the off-road-focused pickup.

This is all great news for Blue Oval fans who have been clamoring for a V8-powered F-150 Raptor since the second-gen model broke our proverbial hearts when it launched back in 2017. It was a huge letdown when the 2021 Raptor debuted and there was no V8 option in sight, particularly in light of the Ram TRX’s presence. But as they say, good things come to those who wait, and we have a feeling the Raptor R will be well worth waiting a few more months for.

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.