Rumor: Next-Gen Ford F-150 Raptor Getting Coil Spring Suspension
A Ford F-150 Raptor prototype was spotted testing around Dearborn at the end of September, and it appeared to reveal a major change for the next-generation truck. Spy shots of the possible next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor mule showed a truck boasting a rear coil spring suspension. The current F-150 Raptor leverages a leaf spring suspension.
How Does it Stack Up: Why the Ford F-150 dominates the Toyota Tundra
Automotive News, who first published the photos of the truck, notes that moving to a rear coil spring suspension setup would make the next-gen Ford F-150 Raptor one of the few to move away from leaf springs. While leaf springs are ideal for heavy-duty use and capabilities, coil spring suspensions offer a smoother ride and are considered superior for off-road performance and comfort. This fact would indicate that the next-generation F-150 will likely keep its leaf springs save for the more off-road-capable Raptor.
Evidence that this may be the case can be found abroad. The Ford Ranger boasts leaf springs in the rear, but the Ranger Raptor boasts coil springs. The Drive speculates that Ford may have liked what it saw with the performance of the Ranger Raptor and opted to do the same for the upcoming F-150 Raptor. Ford is also expected to bring the Ranger Raptor stateside when its midsize truck enters its next generation.
Ford is not likely to reveal its next-generation F-150 until 2020 at the earliest, and it’s likely that the new F-150 Raptor would not be introduced until the second model year. Ford would not offer comment per its standards for future products. The next-gen Ford F-150 raptor has also been rumored to receive a supercharged V8.
More Ford Trucks: The Ranger makes a comeback with best-in-class capabilities and fuel economy
News Sources: Automotive News (subscription required), The Drive
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.