A photo posted to Instagram shows a production sheet for the Shelby 5.2-liter engine.
Ford is building an F-150 Raptor R powered by a V8 engine, as we know. This was confirmed in February 2021, when the new Raptor first debuted. However, as of yet, it is unknown what engine will be under the hood. An Instagram post by Raptor Connection on May 16 shows a production sheet for a factory with 5.2L plain view.
The authenticity of the image is not yet verified. Motor1.com contacted Ford to get clarification, but we didn’t receive a response immediately. Although the post claims that the image was sent to Raptor Connection recently, there is not information about the anonymous photographer nor the context of the image. As new information becomes available, we will update the post.
Long-rumored to be used in the Raptor R is the 5.2-liter V8 engine. The Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine produces 625 horsepower and 567 kilowatts (847 Newton-meters) respectively. This engine would make Raptor R an immediate competitor to the Hellcat-powered RAM TRX. It produces 702 horsepower (523 kW) and 625 pound-feet (847 Newton-meters) of torque from its supercharged V8.
However, we would be remiss if not to remind you about another5.2-liter engine found in Ford’s garage. Although the Shelby GT350 had a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V8 with an impressive redline, it is a very unlikely choice for Raptor R. It offers only a slight increase over the 450 horsepower (336 kW), used in the Raptor. The engine’s peaky, high-rpm nature is incompatible with the Raptor, weighing 5,700 pounds.
F-150 Raptor R spy photographs suggest that the R model will be almost identical to the standard model. Camouflage wrap around the hood, fenders and bumpers hide minor changes that give the V8 Raptor an athletic appearance. You can also expect suspension changes.
According to previous reports, the F150 Raptor R will arrive late 2022 in a 2023 model. This confirms the authenticity of the leaked image which lists the engine size and 2023 on its build sheet. It is possible that Raptor R preproduction is already underway. This could mean an official debut in just a few weeks.