Hennessey has decided the standard Ford Ranger had a bit more grunt to give and has tweaked the bakkie into a 373 kW behemoth in their Texan den. World, welcome the ludicrous ‘VelociRaptor 500’ Ranger!
This exceptional high-performance bakkie is built upon the sturdy foundation of the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, but it is the masterful touch of Hennessey’s engineers that truly sets it apart.
Drawing upon their decades-long expertise in making fast cars even faster, the team at Hennessey have gone above and beyond to enhance the bakkie’s already impressive twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 engine. In its stock configuration, this powerplant churns out a formidable 292 kW of power and 583 N.m of torque. However, Hennessey’s engineering prowess comes to the fore with a series of upgrades that include a high-flow air induction system, a larger front-mounted intercooler, and an engine management software upgrade. These modifications result in a mind-boggling output of 373 kW of power and a staggering 746 N.m of torque.
Related: Why the new Ford Ranger Raptor is no longer produced in SA
Transmitting this immense power to all four wheels is a 10-speed automatic gearbox, complemented by front and rear locking differentials, as seen in its mechanically-related sibling, the VelociRaptor 500 Bronco. The Raptor-specific suspension, complete with 2,5-inch Fox Live Valve shocks, and the factory active valve exhaust remain untouched, showcasing the engineering team’s respect for the Ranger Raptor’s remarkable capabilities.
The driver is offered a range of modes to suit various terrains and preferences, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Tow-Haul, ensuring unrivalled adaptability in any situation.
John Hennessey, the visionary founder and CEO of the company, passionately explains, “The VelociRaptor 500 Ranger is the perfect choice for enthusiasts who crave exhilarating performance but don’t require the full capacity of our VelociRaptor 600 F-150. This midsize pickup is remarkably capable and astonishingly agile, surpassing even the Bronco SUV in terms of weight. Additionally, our 500-horsepower upgrade provides noticeable enhancements in low-end torque, delivering a significant power boost for those who relish pushing their trucks to the limits in challenging terrains like mud, sand, or the open road.”
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With the introduction of the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Ranger, the automotive world is once again captivated by the ingenuity and uncompromising commitment to performance that defines Hennessey’s legacy. If the already capable Ranger Raptor bakkie was insufficient, this formidable creation, ready to dominate any landscape it encounters, will be!
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