Next-Gen Ford Raptor and Ram TRX Start a New Horsepower War

New Threat

When Ford decided to nix its 6.2-liter V8 in the first-gen Raptor and replaced it with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the second-gen model, enthusiasts across the world cried out in horror. Since then, we've pretty much gotten used to the also quite capable V6. But when the Ram TRX debuted recently, it did so with a 720 horsepower, supercharged, 6.2-liter Hemi V8. Now, it appears that Ford won't take this threat laying down.

Photos: Ford

Going Big

A recent report from Ford Authority indicates that the next-gen Raptor will be getting a V8, or to be more specific, the Mustang Shelby GT500's 5.2-liter Predator V8. In the GT500, that mill makes 760 horsepower, but in the pickup, it would likely put out between 725 and 750 horsepower. Either way, it's enough to trump the TRX, and that's all that really matters.

Photos: Ford

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming power pickup war right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Mild Surprise

Dodge has developed a reputation for stuffing its blown Hemi in virtually everything it makes, so the TRX wasn't really a surprise. But Ford seemed determined to push its EcoBoost line in every way possible, installing it in everything from the Raptor to the Ford GT, so it would be a mild surprise if this rumor proves to be true.

Photos: Ford

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming power pickup war right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Music to the Ears

Regardless, this is music to the ears of enthusiasts and truck fans everywhere. The current Raptor and its 450 horsepower mill isn't exactly what anyone would call slow, but its six-cylinder powerplant just doesn't produce the kinds of noises that folks want to hear. Nothing can replace the sound of a V8, and it's still hard for many to get used to the idea of anything else.

Photos: Ford

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming power pickup war right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Lots of Questions

We're still left with a lot of questions, however. First, it's hard to imagine that the Predator will be the only engine option on the next-gen Raptor. Rather, it's likely that it would be offered in a limited production or range-topping model, with the 3.5 still serving as the "entry-level" Raptor powerplant.

Photos: Ford

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming power pickup war right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Pricey Proposition

Then, there's the matter of price. The Ram TRX is undoubtedly expensive, with a base price of $71,690 for the regular model and a whopping $92,010 for the Launch Edition, which has already sold out. It's likely that the Predator-equipped Raptor would also crack the $70k mark, as the current Raptor starts out at just over $53k.

Photos: Ford

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming power pickup war right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Horsepower Wars

Regardless, the fact that Ford might be putting a V8 back in the Raptor is worth celebrating. It would also signal the start of yet another horsepower war, though it's unlikely that manufacturers would go much higher than 700ish horsepower. But then again, who knows what can happen when two proud automakers try to one-up each other?

Photos: Ford