Ford broke high-performance boundaries with the introduction of its supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, also known as the Predator. This hand-built engine powers some of Ford’s most powerful production vehicles. Here at Planet Ford Dallas, we look at the evolution of the Predator and how you can experience its awesome power. Explore the power and performance of the 5.2L Supercharged V-8 engine. Uncover specs, benefits, and why this engine sets new standards.
The Predator 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 is the most powerful engine ever produced by Ford. It’s part of the Ford Modular engine family, which was set up to produce a range of powerful and efficient V-8 and V-10 small-block engines.
In 1990, Ford introduced the Ford modular engine. Modular refers to the setup of tooling and casting stations in the Ford engine plants, which enabled them to produce different engines in the same plant. This allowed them to quickly change production from one engine to another and facilitate shorter production runs. The hand-built 5.2-liter V-8 engines became part of the Modular Family in 2015.
The first 5.2L Ford engine is the Voodoo, which was designed specifically for the 2015 Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. The hand-built, naturally aspirated engine features a dual overhead cam (DOHC) and a flat-plane crankshaft. In the GT350 it delivers 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The GT350 was in production until 2020.
In 2016, the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-8 Aluminator, also known as the Aluminator 5.2 XS, engine debuted. It was designed as an aftermarket engine and doesn’t feature in any production Ford vehicles. It shares many components with the Voodoo but has a cross-plane crankshaft and other features that help it develop 580 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque.
The 5.2-liter supercharged Ford Predator engine was developed for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. With its cross-plane crankshaft and supercharger, the engine delivers significantly more power than the Voodoo. Designed for the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, the Carnivore supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine is based on the Predator but is tuned to produce more low-end torque for enhanced high-performance off-road capability.
The supercharged Ford engines are designed and hand-built to deliver monstrous power and efficient performance. Here we look at the engine’s specs:
The engine block and cylinder head are constructed from lightweight cast aluminum. These specifications ensure unmatched power for Ford high-performance vehicles.
Only a few Ford models have been deemed worthy of the mighty supercharged engine’s V-8 power. You can get behind the wheel of a 5.2-liter V-8-powered production vehicle, but at a cost.
When the Shelby GT500 returned to production in 2020 after a six-year absence, the high-performance Mustang was powered by the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator engine. It was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to deliver 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The GT500 also has adaptive suspension, a Torsen rear differential, Brembo race-grade brakes, and coolers for the oil, transmission, and differential.
The GT500, produced from 2020 to 2022, combines incredible straight-line performance with outstanding handling. It can take you from zero to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Yet it still offers comfort and practicality for daily driving. If its performance isn’t enough, serious speed freaks could add an available handling package or Carbon Fiber Track package. You can find used GT500s from around $70,000 to well over $100,000.
All Ford F-150 trucks are extremely capable on and off the road, but the current F-150 Raptor R takes off-road performance to another level. The supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 Carnivore engine delivers 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque to the four-wheel drive system via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Raptor R features performance bumpers, model-specific grille and fender flares, hood and fender air extractors, off-road tuned suspension with dual-live Fox shock absorbers, and 17-inch wheels with 37-inch all-terrain tires. It’s designed to tackle the toughest trails as well as high-speed desert driving. The starting MSRP for the 2026 Raptor R is $111,425.
With the 2026 Mustang GTD, we’re moving into supercar territory. Developed from the Mustang GT3 race car, the GTD features the Ford Predator engine but offers even more power than the Shelby GT500. It generates 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque via a dual-clutch eight-speed rear transaxle, making it the most powerful production Mustang ever. The GTD has made history as the first American sports car to complete a lap of the 12.9-mile Nürburgring race track in under seven minutes.
The boost in power is thanks to a dry sump oil system, a smaller supercharger pulley, and an enhanced intake and exhaust system. An advanced suspension system and adaptive dampers help the precise handling, and for track days, Track Mode lowers the car’s ride height by nearly 1.6 inches. Carbon fiber body panels and driveshaft, and a titanium exhaust keep the weight to a minimum. You’ll need deep pockets for race car performance, as Ford says the approximate starting price for the GTD is $325,000.
Here at Planet Ford Dallas, TX, we may not be able to offer you a Mustang Shelby GT500 or a Mustang GTD, but we do have an extensive range of Mustangs to choose from, including the Dark Horse with its 500 horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote engine. You can also find the Ford F-150 Raptor. Browse our Planet Ford Dallas inventory of new Ford cars and trucks to find your dream ride and contact us to schedule a test-drive today.
