Hennessey Ford F-150 Raptor revealed

Famed US tuning house Hennessey has turned its hand to the latest Ford F-150 Raptor, creating a VelociRaptor 600 package that takes the high-performance pick-up truck to new extremes.

While there’s a Ford F-150 Raptor R in the works with a supercharged V8 under the bonnet – the perfect basis for even more extreme models from Hennessey and other hot tuners – there’s some fine handiwork applied here to the stock Raptor’s 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

In regular form, the Raptor’s biturbo EcoBoost V6 churns out 336kW (450hp) and 592Nm of torque, but an upgraded air induction system, high-capacity intercooler system with blow-off valve and upgraded engine management system sees the Hennessey version develop a thumping 447kW (600hp) and 843Nm.

Hennessey, which over the past 10 years has become the world’s largest producer of modified F-150 Raptors, claims the 33 per cent power boost can now send the hulking full-size pick-up from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 4.2 seconds, with the quarter mile consumed in 12.9sec.

Owners can enhance their truck further via upgrades including rugged VelociRaptor front and rear bumpers with integrated LED lights, 20-inch Hennessey wheels, off-road tyres (to 37-inch), suspension levelling kit and Hennessey and VelociRaptor badging.

There’s also the option of six-piston Brembo front brakes to increase stopping power.

Orders are now being taken for delivery early next year in North America, while Australian-based Ford F-150 conversion specialists are sure to be gauging local customer interest in the latest Hennessey package given the Blue Oval brand does not offer the F-150 in right-hand drive from the factory.

Pricing for the Hennessey-fettled 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $US85,950 ($A119,500) in the US, while adding the off-road package (bumpers, wheels and off-road tyres) – which most buyers take up – blows the total price out to around $US110,000 ($A153,000).

“The VelociRaptor has been a cornerstone of our production for years, with our customers queuing up for the truck’s surprisingly nimble handling, great practicality and, of course, the horsepower!” said company founder and CEO John Hennessey.

“The popularity of this truck presented the opportunity to create a family of VelociRaptors including the SUV, 6x6, V8 and Bronco variants going to customers across the country and around the world.”

Hennessey expects this third-generation VelociRaptor 600 will become its top-selling model, although it says production is capped at 250 units per year to help retain resale values.