372kW Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Ranger a chance for Oz
BY PETER BARNWELL
Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor models are extremely popular with ute buyers because of the way they look and go.
The Blue Oval hit on a winner when it first introduced the Wildtrak concept years ago developing it along the way then adding the even higher performance Raptor model to tempt tough ute tragics.
However, stepping up yet another level is a Ranger under development by US engineering outfit Hennessey Performance that makes a specialty of building powerful, modified and US-sourced vehicles with up to 1000hp.
In the pipeline is a 500 horsepower (372kW) VelociRaptor 500 Ranger model that’s a strong possibility for local consumption.
The US will get the tough truck soon, but a sticking point is engineering it for right-hand drive. That’s being handled by Hennessey Performance’s Adelaide-based agent, KPM Motorsport, which will have one here soon for local testing and assessment.
Texas-based Hennessey has asked KPM Motorsport to carry out a feasibility study into how the VelociRaptor might be converted for RHD markets of which there are plenty globally.
If it gets the nod, the VelociRaptor 500 Ranger would provide a seriously tempting proposition pricewise for buyers shopping the full-size Ford F-150, or even Ram’s more expensive 523kW/882Nm TRX and others.
But the smaller, lighter VelociRaptor would have them for breakfast in performance terms offering performance and handling at another level.
With a stock standard, Aussie-spec Ranger Raptor already delivering serious performance from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine rated at 292kW and 583Nm, the Hennessey Performance VelociRaptor 500 conversion takes that up to a whopping 372kW/745Nm with – in the US at least – full warranty cover.
Hennessey has a reputation for upping the ante in performance terms and has been “making fast cars faster” for more than 30 years. They upgrade more than the powertrain with improvements across all dynamics and even aesthetics.
The power-up starts with a Ranger Raptor and then goes from there. The upgrade goes into US production in Q4 this year priced at $US24,950 ($A38,141) plus the cost of the vehicle. It is currently undergoing validation and other testing ready for the US launch.
With the range-topping Aussie spec’ Ford Ranger Raptor going for $86,790 plus on-road costs, adding the VelociRaptor upgrade would, based on current exchange rates, take it to almost $125,000 + ORC.
The appearance of the VelociRaptor here is completely dependent on outcomes from KPM’s local test build.
KPM Motorsport owner, David Roscio, said the company was looking at a three to six month lead time to build a right-hand drive VelociRaptor 500 Ranger and test it before considering going to market.
“We have to get across the ECU security key first, otherwise the calibration is unable to be written,” he explained.
“Hennessey would ship the upgrade kit to us, and we will finesse it to fit right-hand drive and to work properly with the variables we have here, so there’s a bit of testing to be done before anything happens.
“We want to make sure 100 per cent that it can be done, so at the moment it’s in the pipeline,” he said.
To build the VelociRaptor, Hennessey takes the stock V6 engine and adds a new high-flow air induction system, a larger front-mounted intercooler and an engine management software upgrade which enabled its engineers to boost power and torque outputs by more than 27 per cent.
Hennessey has runs on the board with fast Ford off-road vehicles as shown in the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco with the 500 horsepower V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to an all-wheel drive system that has locking front and rear differentials and a low-range transmission for off-road capability.
The extra power in VelociRaptor 500 Ranger will further improve the vehicle’s already impressive capabilities aided by an active exhaust system, Fox 2.5-inch 'Live Valve' internal bypass shocks and factory G.O.A.T driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Tow-Haul.
Hennessey founder and CEO John 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 pick-up 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.
In addition to performance upgrades, Hennessey can transform the vehicle’s exterior with custom VelociRaptor bumpers, LED off-road lights, Hennessey 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, 35-inch off-road tyres, and VelociRaptor 500 badging.
Meanwhile the interior features Hennessey’s embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats, and a unique build number plaque.
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