In comeback-kid news, Ford has something up its sleeve for the seemingly ill-fated F-150 in the form of the new 2010 Ford F-150 “Raptor”. Intended to be an extreme, off-road version of the current Ford F-150, Ford has been overheard bragging that the F-150 Raptor will be “The first and only Baja 1000 Trophy Truck you’ll be able to buy from a dealer.”

Spy shots of the new 4×4 desert hauler show an F-150 that does indeed appear to have hit the gym. To view gallery, click “Read More”

Sporting a heftier suspension, the Ford Raptor will feature custom-built Fox Racing long-travel shocks that will have 50% more travel than the 8-inch shocks currently found on the Ford F-150 FX4 off-road package. Further attempting to minimize dune-impact, the F-150 Raptor will also be outfitted with a set of bulky 35-inch all-terrain tires. Expected to be badged as a Ford SVT [Special Vehicle Team] product, the Ford F-150 Raptor will be powered by Ford’s 6.1L BOSS V8 engine and although preliminary output was rated at 380-hp and 400lb-ft of torque, experts expect the F-150’s large displacement engine to ultimately net about 420-hp.

Although we’re a little skeptical of its authenticity, one source quoted a Ford exec. on hand at the Raptor’s desert premier in Las Vegas as saying, “We’re going to drive this right up Toyota’s ass.” Now that’s the attitude we like to hear, Ford.