Welcome to the Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger

America was very happy when Ford announced the Ranger would return to the USA. And it was even happier when the company announced it would do a ‘Raptor’ version. But then its hopes were dashed, its dreams crushed, when Ford announced the Ranger Raptor would not be sold in the States.

Well good news Americans, for John Hennessey has your back. He’s taken the American version of Ford’s littlest truck and created this – the Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger.

Power comes from Ford’s 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Stock it makes 270bhp and 310lb ft, but a less restrictive, better sounding stainless steel cat-back exhaust and some ECU tuning mean the VelociRaptor makes 360bhp and 440lb ft. 0-60mph takes 4.9 seconds – two seconds quicker than stock, and faster even than a stock F-150 Raptor. Ford’s own Ranger Raptor, which uses a four-cylinder diesel engine, takes over 10 seconds to hit 62mph.

Hennessey’s ‘Stage 1’ suspension kit lifts the Ranger by four inches. 18-inch alloy wheels and BFG off-road tyres add a bit more height, so in all the VelociRaptor Ranger is six inches taller than standard. You also get a more aggressive front bumper with built-in LEDs and you can spec a winch.

Prices start at $64,950 – or just under £50k. That’s only about £1k more than Ford’s own Ranger Raptor. Only 500 will be built in 2019 so, Americans, get your order in quick.

By: Tom Harrison, April 30 2019

For more cars, visit: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/usa/welcome-hennessey-velociraptor-ranger

Source: https://www.topgear.com/