A left-hand drive example of the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor has been spotted testing in Australia. But does this signal a future entry into the local market for the high-performance pickup truck?
The example was captured and posted onto Car Spotters Australia Facebook page, with a sticker on the back clearly displaying the words “left-hand drive engineering evaluation vehicle”. A close look at the numbers on the rear windscreen show it is a 2021 vehicle.
Ford Australia is headquartered in Victoria, which is where the number plate originates from. It’s understood the vehicle is registered by Ford and has been used for various testing purposes, including assisting with the original development of the current-gen Ranger Raptor.
Although it is still driving about, it is one of many engineering vehicles being used for testing in Australia, including a new Ford Bronco Raptor. However, Ford Australia has no current plans to introduce these onto the local market.
In America the 2024 F-150 Raptor is available with either a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine or a 5.2-litre ‘Carnivore’ supercharged V8. The V6 generates 450hp (336kW) while the Raptor R V8 develops a whopping 720hp (540kW), up from 520kW prior to the 2024 update.
Ford Australia currently offers two main variants of the F-150, including the XLT and the Lariat. Although, these are also available in SWB and LWB (long wheelbase) forms. All are powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine producing 298kW.
If the F-150 Raptor were to ever be introduced in Australia, it would give the RAM 1500 TRX its first proper competitor on local shores. The TRX has been on sale here for a couple of years now, featuring a 700hp supercharged V8. Prices start from $249,950 for the 2024 TRX Final Edition (excluding on-roads).
Considering the top F-150 Lariat LWB retails from $140,945, we’d expect a Raptor to command close to $200,000. That might seem expensive, but like with the Ranger Raptor, the F-150 Raptor comes with a variety of serious enhancements over and above any other variant. But again, there are no plans for a local offering.