Editor’s Note: The Ranger Raptor direct from Ford has now landed in North America.
We’ll need to wait a few years until Ford officially releases a Raptor variant of their mid-size pickup. In the meantime, Hennessey steps in with a Ranger Raptor for sale now with this badass little VelociRaptor, ramping up horsepower from 270 to 350 bhp @ 6,000 rpm and torque from 310 to 385 lb.ft. @ 3,800 rpm over the stock 2019 Ranger. Here’s a summary:
- Engine Upgrade: Boosts the 2.3L EcoBoost engine to produce approximately 350 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, up from the standard 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft.
- Performance Exhaust: Includes a high-flow stainless steel exhaust system that improves the engine’s breathing and adds a more aggressive exhaust note.
- Suspension Upgrades: Features an upgraded off-road suspension system to increase ground clearance and improve off-road durability.
- Wheels and Tires: Equipped with larger, more aggressive off-road tires mounted on custom Hennessey 17-inch wheels, enhancing both appearance and off-road performance.
- Exterior Modifications: Includes unique VelociRaptor bodywork modifications such as a front bumper replacement with LED lights, a custom grille, and wider fender flares for a more robust and aggressive look.
- Tuning and Calibration: Custom engine calibration to optimize performance with the upgraded components.
- Brake Upgrades: Optional performance brake system upgrade to handle the increased power and off-road demands.
- Limited Production: Each VelociRaptor Ranger is part of a limited production run, making it exclusive and enhancing its unique appeal.
VelociRaptor Ranger Price and Availablity: Limited to 500 Units
At US$64,950, that’s not a bad price considering what’s in store, plus the 2019 mid-size truck is included here. However, the Texas-based company is only making 500 units available with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Do you already own a 2019 Ranger? If you want to do this upgrade yourself, expect to pay $19,950 plus vehicle shipping. Ford brought the Ranger back to North America in 2019 as a late-lifecycle model. Tractionlife.com was one of the first to review the new Ranger last year; check out our review here.
Ford’s decision to officially bring the Ranger back for 2019 was a good one, as small trucks are gaining popularity. They’re smaller than full-size trucks yet look aggressive, offer decent performance, and will actually fit in your garage.
But the first thing people will ask is when’s the Baby Raptor coming out?! The Ford Ranger Raptor has been selling in other markets already, while North American dealerships can expect the popular little haulers sometime in 2022 or 2023. That’s way too long. That’s why the world has Texas-based Hennessey Performance.
Badass Baby Raptor Boasts Serious Off-Road Chops
As you’d imagine, HPE leveled up pretty much everything over the stock Ranger. For starters, this VelociRaptor sits 4 inches higher thanks to a Stage 1 off-road suspension upgrade to floss this beast’s off-road chops. Paired with Hennessey 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BFG off-road rubber, this version stands 6 inches higher overall than a stock Ranger.
Add a menacing front bumper with LED lights and an optional winch upgrade, plus an optional roof-mounted LED light bar, and we think Ford engineers should seriously consider the Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger.
The stock 2.3L turbo EcoBoost engine is right, putting down 270 hp, but an 80-hp bump never hurts. Neither does a bump in torque to help this Ranger propel over uncompromising terrain a little easier.
A stainless steel catback exhaust system and new high-flow air induction system enhances the exhaust notes while offering better air flow, while ECU tuning improves boost duties — all helping this aftermarket Raptor reach 60 mph in 6.1-seconds (shaving off 1.3-seconds over stock).
