FORD F-150 RAPTOR R COULD GET A 7-SPEED DCT FROM GT500

We’re likely getting close to the reveal of the highly anticipated Ford F-150 Raptor R. From the assortment of leaks to camo-free sightings of the truck, with the only thing covered being the R badge on the grille. The most recent sighting is an exciting one as it’s a video of the pickup accelerating down the road, giving us a listen at the beautiful supercharged Predator V8 under the hood.

Ford F-150 Raptor R Equipped With Shelby GT500 DCT?

A few leaks lead us to believe that the V8 under the hood of the Raptor R is a version of the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 used in the Mustang Shelby GT500, which certainly gives it plenty of power to dethrone the Ram TRX. As for the transmission, one would expect it to be a 10-speed automatic, but after seeing the video and hearing how fast the gear changes are, it’s likely something very different. As pointed out by Motor1, around the 7-second mark, you can hear the truck shift gears if you listen closely. It’s hard to say what transmission is connected to the engine, but it may be the Shelby’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It may ultimately be the case, as the Tremec 7-Speed DCT that Ford uses exclusively for the GT500 is validated for the Predator V8 engine specifically, and it’s unclear how much work would need to be done to the existing 10R 10-speed automatic transmission that’s in the standard F-150 Raptor. Considering we’ve had extensive time with both the Shelby GT500 Mustang and the Raptor, we’ll place a bet that a DCT is in order.

Along with having exceptionally more power than the base Raptor, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R also utilizes upgraded suspension components. Spy photos have shown different trailing arms for the rear suspension. The exhaust pipes are also larger to allow that 5.2L supercharged V8 to push out its plentiful gasses, making a wonderful soundtrack in the process.

At a glance, the Raptor R could undoubtedly be considered a sleeper unless you hear the exhaust. While there’s a bit more black on the bottom side of the front bumper where the skid plate is attached and the obvious R badge on the grille. Graphics packages advertising the Raptor R will undoubtedly help set the truck apart. Still, unless it accelerates, no one would know this isn’t your average F-150 Raptor. With recent sightings of the camo-free trucks, we’re likely weeks or even days away from a debut for the Ram TRX hunter.