The new Ford Ranger Raptor debuted in US-spec form earlier this month as one of the most powerful and capable midsize trucks ever made, and unsurprisingly Hennessey saw that as an opportunity to spice things up even further. The new VelociRaptor 500 Ranger brings a significant power boost alongside visual tweaks making the Raptor look like a proper superhero truck.
Exterior updates are focused on the custom bumpers, with an integrated bull bar and quad LEDs at the front. There is also VelociRaptor 500 badging and Hennessey lettering on the bonnet proving that this is not your average Ford. Finally, a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design are shod in 35-inch off-road tires. Inside the cabin, we find the tuner’s name embroidered on the headrests, all-weather floor mats, and a numbered plaque.
The Most Powerful Warrantied Midsize Truck On Sale Today
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine produces a healthy 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque right out of the factory floor but Hennesey took those figures to 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) and 550 lb-ft (746 Nm). This increase of more than 20% was made possible thanks to a new high-flow air induction system with a blow-off valve, a larger intercooler, and an ECU software upgrade.
More: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Is 405 HP Of Awesomeness And A Steal At $56,960
As with the mechanically-related VelociRaptor 500 Bronco, power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox with the help of front and rear locking differentials. Hennessey left alone the Raptor-specific suspension with the 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve shocks and the factory active valve exhaust. The driver has access to various modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Tow-Haul.
John Hennessey, founder and CEO of Hennessey, said: “The VelociRaptor 500 Ranger is an excellent choice for the pickup enthusiast who doesn’t need the capacity of our full-size VelociRaptor 600 F-150. The midsize pickup is incredibly capable and very agile… it’s actually lighter than the Bronco SUV! In addition, our 500-horsepower upgrade will noticeably improve low-end torque, and it’s got a lot more power for those who like to really push their trucks in mud, sand, or on the open road.”
The Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 package is already available to order, with production starting in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a limited edition of 200 units planned for 2024. The kit is priced from $24,950, which represents a significant amount considering that the Ford Ranger Raptor starts at $56,960. Still, with a final price of $81,910, the tuned midsize pickup superhero is cheaper than a stock Ford Bronco Raptor which starts at $85,375.
