Hennessey doesn’t like to leave things alone, and is now toying with the Ford Bronco Raptor. The tuner’s latest creation – the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco – gives this rugged off-road SUV a powerful engine upgrade and minor visual changes.
The company upgraded the Bronco’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. Aftermarket specialists added new engine management software, a high-flow induction system, an upgraded stainless steel exhaust, and a larger intercooler system. The changes increase the powertrain output to 500 horsepower (372 kilowatts) and 550 pound-feet (745 Newton-meters) of torque. Hennessey says it’s a 20 percent improvement over the stock Bronco Raptor, which makes 418 hp (311 kW) and 440 lb-ft (596 Nm) of torque, and fits.
The tuner added 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 37-inch tires, while the new VelociRaptor front and rear bumpers enhance the exterior. Other parades include Hennessey and VelociRaptor 500 Bronco exterior badges and an upgraded electronic folding ladder. Inside, the SUV receives Hennessey-patterned headrests, all-weather floor mats and a unique plaque that shows off the SUV’s characteristics. There is also plaque in the engine compartment.
“Our customers are big fans of the new Bronco, but they’ve been asking us for more power and greater performance capabilities since day one,” said company CEO John Hennessey. “Ford’s version of the Raptor is a huge upgrade, but the engine has even more potential. Our engineering team has unleashed its potential to create a very powerful off-road SUV.”
This is Hennessey’s eighth VelociRaptor model and the second for the Bronco. The company introduced the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco last year, bringing the SUV’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to 411 hp (306 kW) and 603 lb-ft (818 Nm) of torque with a similar set of improvements compared to the new model. It also received 18-inch wheels, but Hennessey wrapped it in 35-inch tires. The company says the Bronco can reach 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 4.9 seconds.
The package costs $32,950, and it doesn’t include a donor Bronco Raptor. The high-powered off-road SUV starts at $75,374, including a $1,595 destination fee. Hennessey offers upgrades with a three year/36,000 mile warranty.
