Hennessey boosts ‘Braptor’ to 500 hp with VelociRaptor 500 Bronco

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Texas-based tuner Hennessey has revealed yet another performance 4X4 based on the Ford Bronco. Unlike some of the brand’s previous VelociRaptors (of which there are seven variants) this latest one doesn’t swap engines for V8s, but rather tunes the off-roader’s twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.0L V6 for some extra grunt.

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Hennessey boosts ‘Braptor’ to 500 hp with VelociRaptor 500 Bronco Back to video

The VelociRaptor 500 Bronco boasts 500 bhp – thus the ‘500’ in its name – to eke out some 20 per cent more than the factory Bronco Raptor’s 418 hp, as well as 550 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm, instead of the donor’s 440 lb-ft. Aiding the V6 in its quest for more push and twist is a new high-capacity intercooler with blow-off valve, upgrades to the engine management system, low-flow exhaust mods, and high-flow air filtration. 

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“Our customers are big fans of the new Bronco, but they’ve been asking us for more power and greater performance capabilities from day one,” said company founder and CEO John Hennessey in a prepared statement.

“Ford’s Raptor version is a big improvement, but the engine has even more potential. Our engineering team has released its potency to create the ultimate all-powerful off-road SUV.” 

Hennessey’s squad also added a front and rear levelling kit, 18-inch Hennessey wheels with 37-inch off-road tires, and brand-unique bumpers on both ends with pod fog lights at the front.

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The VelociRaptor 500 Bronco wears a heritage edition livery in red, green, or blue, which includes a bucking horse on the side and “Hennessey” lettering across the front, and features badges for both the brand and the VelociRaptor lineup, plus special embroidered headrests and a identification plaque inside. Another plaque in the engine bay denotes the vehicle’s placement within the 200-unit limited run. 

Hennessey lists the package with an MSRP of US$32,950, which does not include the price of the Bronco Raptor itself, and says models will be on roads in 2023.