Hennessey-tuned Ford Ranger Raptor slams down 373kW

Reckon the Ford Ranger Raptor could use some herbs? Well, the mad buggers at Hennessey Performance have taken care of that with the new 2024 VelociRaptor 500 Ranger kit.

The second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor hasn’t even been released in the US yet, but Hennessey has already developed a new high-performance kit that extracts an extra 71kW/162Nm from the Aussie-developed super-ute’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, via a new high-flow air-induction system, a larger front-mounted intercooler and updated engine management software.

The upgrades yield a mammoth 373kW of power and 745Nm of torque – shaming the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco – harnessed via the same 10-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Those outputs are said to make the Hennessey-enhanced Ranger Raptor the world’s most powerful factory-backed mid-size pick-up and it has the visual attitude to match, courtesy of custom VelociRaptor bumpers, LED off-road lights, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, 35-inch off-road tyres and ‘VelociRaptor 500’ badging.

Occupants are given a more subtle reminder of what they’re sitting in via Hennessey-embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats and a vehicle-specific build number plaque.

All of these upgrades will set American buyers back $US24,950 ($A37,725) on top of the Ranger Raptor’s purchase price, which Hennessey Performance founder and CEO John Hennessey reckons is good value.

“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,” he said.

“The midsize pickup is incredibly capable and very agile… 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.”

A Hennessey spokesperson added that R&D work on the pack was still ongoing ahead of its production start later this year, and that international shipping would be available as of the final quarter of 2023.

Unfortunately, Australia won’t be one of the markets to receive the VelociRaptor 500 Ranger kit due to the differing engine specs between the local and North American Raptors, with local Hennessey distributor KPM Motorsport confirming the pack isn’t compatible with our slightly more subdued version (292kW/583Nm versus 302kW in the US).

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