2018 Ford F-150 Raptor testing before the 2017 model's launch?

19/10/2016 - 15:24 Ford F-150, Ford, Spy pictures Sagar Parikh

Second-gen model goes on sale later this year, but its facelift is already on test.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will go on sale by December, but Ford is probably already testing design tweaks that are programmed for its mid-life facelift. New spy shots published by PickTrucks.com show what could be the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor, testing in the USA.

2018 Ford F-150 Raptor spy shot — The test mules of the Raptor variant had only their rear camouflaged.

Spy photographers who captured the prototypes told the website that design tweaks for the Raptor variant are apparently in the pipeline, likely coinciding with the standard variant's mid-life facelift, expected late next year. Some prototypes were labeled as "2017.5" models. Only the rear of the vehicle was camouflaged.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by the second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin turbocharged V6 gasoline engine that puts out 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. (691.47 Nm) of torque. The all-new EcoBoost engine is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with GM, and an all-new four-wheel drive, torque-on-demand transfer case. The new generation model has a claimed top speed of 100 mph.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew front three quarter at the Auto China 2016 — The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is powered by a 450 hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline engine.

Also Read: Ford EcoSport facelift could make USA debut in LA next month

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $48,325 and will go on sale later this year in the U.S. market. It will be available in two cab styles: SuperCab and SuperCrew.

[Source: PickTrucks.com]