The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is coming sooner than you think. The high-performance Raptor was notably absent from the 2021 F-150 pickup reveal, but here is what to expect.

Like the recently revealed 2021 F-150, it will have styling updates inside and out and may get the GT500’s V-8.

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However, the 2021 Raptor is certainly on its way, and the new version will follow the same mantra as the last two generations.

The third-generation Raptor should sport unique exterior styling, as illustrated above.

The front end will likely use the new headlight design of the 2021 F-150. This will incorporate a unique front grille just like those that made previous-gen Raptors so distinctive.

Expect a revised front bumper to improve the approach angle. In addition, there will be skid plates to protect the underbody. There will be a wider body and larger fender flares compared with the standard F-150.

With the Ram TRX about to enter the foray of high-performance off-road trucks with a 700-plus-horsepower Hellcat engine, we are sure that Ford will not want to be left behind.

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There will also be an upgraded version of the current Raptor’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 is one option. However, the 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque it makes in its current iteration won’t be nearly enough.

A hybrid system like the standard 2021 F-150’s newly available gas-electric drivetrain could boost those numbers somewhat, although many Raptor buyers might find a hybrid offensive.

Als0, Ford could finally release a Raptor with the supercharged 5.2-litre V-8 found in the GT500. This has been rumoured for some time. We could even see the Blue Oval offering two different powertrain options for the 2021 Raptor. The 10-speed automatic transmission from the last generation will likely carry over.

The new Raptor at one point was rumored to adopt a coil-spring rear suspension instead of leaf springs. That seems unlikely given that the standard 2021 F-150 continues on with the leaf-spring setup.

However, compared with the standard truck, the Raptor will surely once again have substantial upgrades, such as a wider track, longer suspension travel, higher ground clearance, and upgraded shocks.

The other important off-road oriented bits such as meaty tires, optional bead-lock wheels, and an optional front-axle Torsen differential should be present on the next-gen Raptor too.