The electrical Ford F-150 Lightning will stay faster than the remainder of the F-150 lineup for the close to future.

On the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R launch, Ford Efficiency boss Carl Widmann did not mince phrases: Electrification, be it hybridization or all-electric, is not within the Raptor lineup’s playing cards.

 

Raptor sticking with the ICE

The rationale? Widmann stated the internal-combustion engine is “one of the best tech to function at full energy in deep sand, bar none.”

“The truck (the Raptor) brings that engine to life. You are able to do issues so quickly,” Widmann stated. He famous that it isn’t onerous to show off the Raptor R’s traction management system and shoot a rooster tail with a jab of the correct foot.

The Raptor R’s supercharged V-8 provides about 100 lb complete to the pickup over a turbocharged V-6-powered Raptor whereas including 250 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque.

The silver-haired efficiency fanatic, who’s answerable for ridiculous machines together with the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, and the third-generation Ford F-150 Raptor, stated his crew has pushed the GMC Hummer EV. “They’re good for a shot, however not one thing you’d run at Baja.” Widmann laughed whereas noting the Hummer weighs in at greater than 9,000 lb.

Widmann stated electrical automobiles (particularly referring to off-road-capable vans) aren’t as nimble as a V-8-powered automobile attributable to all the additional weight of the batteries.

As for hybridization, the change would want so as to add profit to the purchasers. “What’s the profit because it involves weight?” Widmann requested, including there’s merely no means across the added weight from the battery and electrical motor, which reduces agility.

No Godzilla

When the 2020 Ford F-250 Tremendous Obligation lineup was launched in 2019 it introduced forth a clean-sheet 7.3-liter V-8 dubbed Godzilla. Ford rated the Tremendous Obligation’s 7.3-liter V-8’s output at 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

When it was revealed, Ford spokesperson Mike Levine confirmed to Motor Authority the Godzilla engine would technically slot in each the F-150 Raptor and Mustang engine bays—although Levine famous that the big engine was designed for vans and includes a heavy iron block. However there was a query as as to whether it might find yourself within the Raptor.

Standing subsequent to the Raptor R, Widmann pointed to the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 and stated, “that is essentially the most energy you possibly can pack for the ability into the truck’s entrance finish,” noting that Godzilla is just too heavy.