Sports Cars

Ford Raptorizes Its Model Range: the Mustang Is Next In Line

In recent years, Ford’s Raptor family has gained popularity, and the latest rumors say that the Ford Mustang will get a Raptor version too.

The Blue Oval has already offered the Raptor variants for its strong-selling models: the F-150, Ranger, and Bronco. The F-150 even has a hotter Raptor R modification. The high-performance, hardcore off-road Raptors are sought-after vehicles despite their rather high cost which is far more than standard models’ price tags.

If you believe Car and Driver, Ford Motor has a fad to Raptorize everything…including its iconic pony car. The new-generation Mustang debuted in September 2022 and goes on sale this fall; the Mustang Raptor should arrive in 2026, followed by Mustang Raptor R. Besides, the Explorer and Expedition Raptors do not seem far off.

While the Raptor versions for pickup trucks and SUVs are quite natural, especially since competitors have similar offerings, things are not so clear for the Ford Mustang.

What will the Mustang Raptor be like? Does the carmaker need such a vehicle at all, since Ford has the fast and potent 760-hp Mustang Shelby GT500?

To keep true to the Raptor heritage, the Mustang Raptor should have Fox Live Valve shocks, lifted suspension, underbody bash plates, all-terrain tires, cladding-protected fenders, and an electronically controlled center differential to transmit torque from a 10-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels,

As for the Ford Mustang Raptor’s engine, it may be a 5.0-liter 500-hp V8 or a supercharged 5.2-liter eight-cylinder with over 700 horsepower for the Mustang Raptor R.

Unlike the Mustang GT variants, here, in the case of the Raptor, the focus will be not on speed and acceleration but on utility and off-road capability.

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