The 2018 F-150 Raptor will become the beneficiary of the coming EcoBoost 5.0 V8, according to insider sources at Ford – and we may even see the V8 make it’s way into the truck for the 2017 debut.

“The Raptor, packaged with the EcoBoost 5.0 V8, will be irresistible – and Ford knows it.”, claims our insider.

“The EcoBoost 5.0 V8 program has been under development for a several years, and first made it’s public appearance in the Cobra Jet program in late-2012. The underlying purpose of the EcoBoost V8 project was to power the next-gen GT500. The 5.2L FPC program contributed to delaying the 5.0 EcoBoost program, but this V8 Twin-Turbo program is now on track again, and will make it’s debut in the next GT500 and 2018 F-150 Raptor, and could possibly become a second-motor option for the 2017 model year Raptor”

We are also told that the new 10-speed automatic transmission that will be found in the 2016 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Raptor will be the same transmission utilized in the V8 Raptor, whether it goes on sale as a 2017 model year, or 2018.

“The Raptor will ultimately be a two-motor truck – that was the plan all along – much like you have the option for the EcoBoost V6 or 5.0 V8 in other F-150 models. Ford knows there is a market for both powertrains, and wants to capitalize in both realms. Ford is really pushing the V6 EcoBoost program, and thought it was a great opportunity to debut both the Ford GT and Raptor with the 3.5L EcoBoost platform in Detroit, but make no mistake that the Twin Turbo V8 is on it’s way – I’m just not sure if we will see it in the 2017 Raptor, or the 2018.”

What is really interesting, we are told – is that this Twin-Turbo V8 could possibly make it’s way into other models of the Ford lineup. What could Ford stuff the EcoBoost V8 into, aside from the GT500 and Raptor?

“Ford has thrown quite a bit of resources and R&D into this V8 EcoBoost program, so don’t be surprised if you see it in other vehicles within Ford Performance in the future.”

Our guess is we will see the motor in other F-150 models, such as the FX4, Lariat and Platinum – possibly even the Super Duty models as an alternative to the 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel.