The 2016 SVT Raptor is alive and well. This shouldn’t surprise anybody, though – considering the blockbuster success of the previous generation Raptor.  This new, lighter, redesigned Raptor is scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January of 2015.

However, we expect some pretty significant changes.

First, our source has disclosed that the next-gen off road beast will weigh at LESS than 4,700 lbs, thanks to an all-aluminum body on a steel frame. This is obviously a pretty significant weight loss from the current 6,100 lbs (depending on cab configuration). We literally talking almost a ton of weight loss, potentially.

The big news: we are told that the outgoing 6.2L will be replaced with a ‘tuned-up’ EcoBoost 3.5L V6, with an estimated “400+ Horsepower”. This makes sense, considering the 2015 Navigator and Expedition are both running a 380 HP 3.5L EcoBoost motor.   According to our source, Ford is going to really push the new ‘EcoBoost’ family of engines, and want to make a loud statement by featuring them in the new Raptor and other future performance cars.   With that said, we are still hoping that Ford will give us a 5.0 V8 option, atleast.  We know the 6.2L program is dead, so the 5.0 V8 would be our only hope.  We wouldn’t totally be surprised to see an EcoBoost 5.0 make it’s way into the Raptor at some point, but it won’t be until well after launch of the truck.

Also, don’t be surprised if down the road we see an EcoBoost 5.0 platform, developed specifically with the Raptor in mind – although our sources can’t confirm if this boosted V8 will debut in Detroit.

A few other notes of interest: We expect the Raptor to get a suspension travel boost. Expect 14″ in the front, and 16.3″ in the rear.

We love the Raptor as much as you do, so we will keep you posted as more intel comes out.