Fans of the Blue Oval rejoiced when the Dearborn-based carmaker announced a V8-powered version of the Ford F-150 Raptor will become a reality. Dubbed the Raptor R, the more hardcore version of Ford's dune-destroying off-roader would finally give the Ram 1500 TRX some true competition and gain the engine many say it always deserved.

We previously learned that the V8 derivative will arrive in the third or fourth quarter of 2022. This aligns well with sources close to the brand that claim order books for the Raptor R will open up in the fall.

The current F-150 Raptor, with its 450-horsepower V6 engine, sprints to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. While impressive, it's still a second off the admittedly more muscular TRX, with its 702-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8. Ford's new addition will certainly stir things up.

The Raptor R will also gain motivation from a decidedly powerful supercharged V8, albeit slightly smaller than the unit its deadliest rival is equipped with. The 5.2-liter Predator V8 produces 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque in the Shelby Mustang GT500, so expect approximately 750 hp from the Raptor R - more than enough to dethrone the Ram TRX - which, based on spy footage of the upcoming truck, sounds absolutely phenomenal. Power will be sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The current F-150 Raptor is already an imposing brute, so Ford will have to pull out all the stops to ensure the Raptor R looks even more menacing. While the spy shots don't tell us much, expect even broader fenders and a unique radiator grille. The R derivative will reportedly sport an even tougher rear suspension setup, replete with more muscular trailing arms.

2022 is set to be a very exciting year for truck lovers. Not only is the Lordstown Endurance finally entering production, but the F-150 Lightning, Silverado EV, and GMC Hummer should all become regular sightings on US roads very soon. The arrival of the Raptor R is arguably even more exciting and should prove a real headache for the mighty TRX.