Next-Gen Ford Raptor Ups Power and Efficiency

Ford Motor Co. is upping the ante with the 2017 F-150 Raptor. The second-generation truck’s twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, which Ford says is best-in-class for a V-6 pickup.

The aluminum-block engine bests the power and efficiency of the cast-iron V-8 used in the previous Raptor. Output is increased by 39 hp and 76 lb-ft of torque, while fuel economy is boosted 23% to 16 mpg.

Built on the same aluminum body and high-strength steel frame as the base F-150 pickup that was launched two years ago, the 2017 Raptor is 500 lbs lighter than its predecessor. The new model also gets the 10-speed automatic transmission that Ford co-developed with General Motors Co.

Ford currently is launching the new V-6 engine and 10-speed transmission in the F-150 pickup. The Raptor will go on sale in December with a starting price of $49,500.