The Ford Bronco Raptor is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, and the manufacturer won’t add a V8 engine against the wishes of a considerable number of enthusiasts. Ford Performance’s boss has explained why.
The Ford Bronco Raptor’s V6 produces 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque – good figures, but not outstanding. Off-roaders are usually expected to do more.
For example, the Bronco’s rival – Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 – is powered by a 470-hp V8 engine, and Ford’s other model – F-150 Raptor R – now has a supercharged 5.2-liter 700-hp V8.
So, what’s wrong with the Ford Bronco Raptor, and why is a V8 not an option for it?
Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann told to Motor Authority that the Braptor’s (Bronco Raptor’s) engine bay was too narrow to accommodate a larger-displacement engine. Even a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is a no-go, not to mention the 8-cylinders.
In theory, It is possible to fit a bigger engine itself under the hood, but there should be enough area to keep breathing and cooling, as well as to meet safety requirements.
As explained by Mr. Widmann, the 5.0-liter V8 engine, in its turn, has insufficient low-end torque to satisfy the model’s engineering team, when it comes to street-legal vehicles.
If Ford really wanted to squeeze the V8 in the Bronco Raptor’s under-hood, it would find a way, we suppose. With the Bronco Raptor, the company decided to go the other way.
It’s still not clear if the Bronco Raptor R will ever join the lineup. In case it will, that model’s power should surely exceed 418 hp (we expect around 500 hp).
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