If there's one thing the 2021 Ford F-150 doesn't lack it's this: engines. At present, there are six available, ranging from gasoline to diesel to hybrid. But if you look at that spec sheet, you'll probably notice there was one missing. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 H.O. (High Output) found in the previous-generation Limited and Raptor models are not on the docket for 2021. Yes, a new Raptor is currently in development but we still don't know what'll be under its hood just yet.

But now Ford Authority is claiming it has learned from unnamed sources the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 H.O. will be returning sometime later next year. At present, it produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque while the regular version still has an impressive 400 hp.

The report specifically mentioned it remains unknown which trim(s) the V6 H.O. could be found in, though one possibility is that it'll serve as the base engine for the next Raptor. If you recall, Ford is supposedly planning on launching two Raptor variants next year as a direct response to the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 TRX.

The Mustang Shelby GT500's Predator supercharged V8 could be called up for duty once again. But not every Raptor buyer wants a truck with close to or above 700 horsepower. It's also possible the next Raptor, in base form, could actually be a hybrid with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a 494 hp combined powertrain the Lincoln Aviator also utilizes.

Aside from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost with 400 hp currently available, the 2021 F-150 can also be powered by a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6, 2.7-liter EcoBoost, a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6, and the 3.5-liter hybrid V6. For 2022, the all-electric F-150 is scheduled to arrive and, more than likely, it'll be a torque beast delivering instant power to the wheels.

As for this coming model year, we should have an answer relatively soon regarding the potential comeback status of the V6 H.O. It'd be kind of a shame to learn it's been permanently retired.