The big news for Ford’s truck lineup in 2015 is the new F-150, which is getting a massive overall for the new model year that includes new motor options and a lighter aluminum frame. With the new F-150 set for release later this year, it appears Ford has shifted some of its attention to the off-road-ready Raptor.

Spy photographers recently captured shots of the Ford SVT team testing next-generation parts on a Raptor mule. While testing an early prototype of the new Raptor, which we believe will be released in the 2016 or 2017 model year, there are some notable new features on the truck that include a new grille and hood design, and it also features the aluminum crew cab body found on the 2015 F-150.

Although we can’t confirm a change in suspension, the photos do not show the signature blue shock tubes in the rear wheel wells, which could suggest they are in fact testing new suspension options for the next-gen Raptor. Curiously, the photographers also did not spot any exhaust tips on the test truck.

Speaking of power, maybe the most interesting aspect of the spy shots are what can’t be seen, as the photographers said that when the truck got on the gas it clearly sounded like a V6 EcoBoost and not the 6.2-liter V8 found on the 2010-2014 models.

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