Will Raptor have another 3 year break before gen 3?

[SD1290]

What does everyone think on this? Will Raptor take another 3 year break after the 2020 model before the gen 3 is introduced or is it now part of the ongoing F-150 lineup?

 

[goblues38]

I say it is a cash cow and it brings people to the brand.....who may end up with an FX4 or other variant in the end....but "RAPTOR" dominates media. Ford can't afford to not have one at this point.

 

[gobie18]

I have to agree that they will continue the model, just like all other manufactures are doing. Like BMW, back in the old days M models was special to only M3, M5 and M6. Now they have a M for every model. Not that special anymore, but they bring in cash for the manufactures.

 

[Robtor310]

Anybodys guess at this point.

 

[FastEddie]

Anybodys guess at this point.

Of course that is the right answer.

Raptor is a halo vehicle. F150 is the cash cow.

The story about the delay was that Ford needed to spend all the time getting the F150 launch right and ready for that generation and then could turn focus to the Raptor. Makes sense to me. Whether that takes 3 years is anybody's guess.

 

[jaz13]

These things don't design themselves and engineering resources are limited. Most manufacturers have a few year lag between the introduction of a new model and the arrival of specialty variants like convertibles, GT350, ZR1, M cars, Raptors, etc.

I don't have any inside information, but assume Ford is working hard on the 14th gen F-150. It won't be until that gets pushed out the door that Ford will allocate engineering resources to the Gen 3 Raptor.

Most of the time manufacturers drop the variants altogether, but sometimes they continue selling them with the old body. For example, to avoid gap years, BMW often sells the old-body style convertible alongside the brand new model.

As for the Raptor, it was only out of production for two years, 2015 and 2016. I suspect the same will happen this time.

 

[jabroni619]

I don't know the answer, but what I do know is when the 3rd gen does come out, i'll be waiting for the 3rd year so I can get all the mid cycle refresh goodies.

 

[NoReins]

Since Ford is using Raptor on other models now, doubt they will discontinue the F-150 version. If Ford decides to do a Raptor Bronco, then you know the F-150 will not go away

 

[jabroni619]

I don't think anyone said anything about discontinuing the F150 Raptor

 

[Skyfrog]

Good question...so I looked up the history of the F-150s on Wikipedia:

• 
  1 First generation (1948–1952)
  2 Second generation (1953–1956)
  3 Third generation (1957–1960)
  4 Fourth generation (1961–1966)
  5 Fifth generation (1967–1972)
  6 Sixth generation (1973–1979)
  7 Seventh generation (1980–1986)
  8 Eighth generation (1987–1991)
  9 Ninth generation (1992–1997)
  10 Tenth generation (1997–2004)
  11 Eleventh generation (2004–2008)
  12 Twelfth generation (2009–2014)
  13 Thirteenth generation (2015–present)
  
  Special models
  - Unibody F-Series (1961-1963)
  - Specials (1961-1979)
  - F-150 Nite (1991-1992)
  - Eddie Bauer (1994-1996)
  - SVT Lightning (1993-1995; 1999-2004)
  - Harley-Davidson Edition (2000-2011)
  - SVT/Ford Raptor (2010-2014; 2017-present)
  - F-150 Platinum (2009-present)
  - F-150 Tremor (2014)

Wow, I test drove the Tremor, good thing I passed on it.
Based on the first 12 generations, the average span of the BASE F-150 is 5+ years. The current Gen 2 is actually the 13th version of the F-150, so 2015 + 5 plus years might mean 2020 or 2021.
However, the Raptor is considered a Specialty Model. Look at the lifespan of the Platinum and Harley-Davidson editions, they span the base F-150 generations, 10+ years!!!
Not to put a damper on things, but with the new Ranger being called a "Raptor" and the new Bronco, maybe there won't be a 14th generation F-150 "Raptor", but an F-150 SVT "new catchy name goes here" one year later. So my bet would be the Gen 3 is a 14th generation F-150 released in 2021 or 2022 with a new name. Post your name ideas here...
Sorry, being a rocket scientist I tend to over analyze things. It really comes down to sales.