A massive performance enhancement has been announced for the wildest version of Ford’s ute.

ADDITIONAL oomph has been added to the grunt-master of the national one-tonne ute scene, Ford Ranger Raptor.

Meet the VelociRaptor, in which output from Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6, already the most powerful engine in the one-tonne ute category here, is enhanced considerably.

Whereas Raptor in New Zealand specification bangs out a highly involving 292kW and 583Nm, the VelociRaptor makes … 372kW and 745Nm.

Kiwis hoping to buy into this might find the process possible,  as the developer of this model represents here, though potentially expensive - it’s a $NZ39,990 kit that fits aftermarket to a Raptor, which holds a recommended retail of $92,990, with Clean Car penalty additional.

VelociRaptor is not a Ford factory product but a special concoction from one of America’s best-known after-market tuners of Blue Oval pick-up trucks, Hennessy Performance.

The conversion it applies to the ultimate Ranger is specific to how it sells in the US, however there’s potential the mods developed by the Texas tuner won’t be left-hand-drive specific. 

Hennessey has added a new air induction system, a high-capacity intercooler with a blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine management system.

As is the case with all of Hennessey’s offerings, the VelociRaptor 500 Ranger Raptor comes equipped with a bevy of upgrades in all areas, starting on the outside. 

There already rugged-looking donor achieves a set of VelociRaptor bumpers, LED off-road lighting, unique 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, 35-inch off-road tires, and “VelociRaptor 500” badging. 

Embroidered headrests, a unique build number plaque, and all-weather floor mats are the sum total of changes within.

The VelociRaptor 500 Ranger Raptor is accompanied by a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty from the Texas-based tuner itself. 

Hennessey vehicles have availed in New Zealand for almost a decade - Auckland-based CTB Performance appears to maintain distribution rights. 

Most Hennessey models here have been editions of the sixth generation Mustang that has just gone out of sale here as Ford New Zealand prepares to launch the updated car in early 2024.

Stateside, Hennessey’s biggest image builders have been Ford sports utilities, also carrying the VelociRaptor tag when in ultimate state. They range from a Bronco to two editions of the F-150 full-sized pick-up truck, the VelociRaptoR1000 and the Raptor R.