As well as building insane hypercars and twin-turbocharging Chevy Camaros and Dodge Vipers, it also likes to give utility vehicles obscene power upgrades. From the Ford F150 to the Dodge Ram and now, you guessed it, the new Ford Bronco. Meet the VelociRaptor 500, a Hennessey-fettled Ford Bronco designed to topple Ford’s own Raptor.
Upgrades to the factory 3.0-litre Ecoboost twin-turbo V6 include a stainless steel exhaust, high-flow induction system, a larger intercooler and an upgrade to the engine software. Fairly tame mods by Hennessey’s usual standards, illustrating the potential of Ford’s potent motor, which pushes 650PS (478kW) in its own GT supercar. Here, the output has been boosted to 510PS (375kW) and 746Nm (550lb ft) of torque.
Obviously it wouldn’t be a Hennessey without some added visual attitude. Big 18-inch wheels are wrapped in 37-inch tyres, join enormous bespoke VelociRaptor front and rear bumpers, with LED lighting for good measure. There are badges everywhere and even embroidered headrests, with plaques to top it off.
“Our customers are big fans of the new Bronco, but they’ve been asking us for more power and greater performance capabilities from day one,” said founder and CEO John Hennessey.
“Ford’s Raptor version is a big improvement, but the engine has even more potential. Our engineering team has released its potency to create the ultimate all-powerful off-road SUV.”
The upgrade is priced at $32,950 on top of the price of the base car, and comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Could one of these and the Venom F5 be a contender for the ultimate two-car garage?
Hennessey
VelociRaptor
500
Bronco
Ford