Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has begun customer deliveries of its new 500 bhp VelociRaptor 500 Bronco Raptor.

Following cold weather testing in the snowy mountains of Colorado, Hennessey’s engineering team signed off the enhanced version of Ford’s factory Bronco Raptor enabling production and deliveries to begin at the company’s Texas headquarters.

Hennessey’s engineers, who have been ‘making fast cars faster’ for more than 30 years, applied their expertise to the SUV’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine to boost power and heighten drivability.

A new high-capacity intercooler and proprietary engine management system tuning improve charge cooling and increase intake boost to enhance output. Total system power is rated at a dyno-proven 500 bhp and 550 lb-ft of torque – earning Hennessey’s ‘VelociRaptor 500’ nameplate.

Last month, Hennessey’s team travelled to Colorado for low-temperature, high-altitude testing in the Rocky Mountains, where this winter’s conditions have been challenging. However, despite snowstorms and freezing temperatures, Mother Nature’s challenges were no problem for the upgraded 4×4, fitted with Hennessey’s unique 20-inch alloy wheels and 37-inch off-road tires.

John Hennessey, company founder, and CEO: “The VelociRaptor 500 Bronco is one of our most agile and capable off-road offerings – it’s nearly unstoppable off the pavement. Our 500 horsepower upgrade pairs perfectly with Ford’s rugged Bronco Raptor 4×4 as we improve upon the factory’s high-performance offering and enhance it with more power and a more aggressive appearance.”

Priced from $28,950 – exclusive of the base Ford Bronco Raptor – the VelociRaptor 500 package features enhanced air induction, a high-capacity intercooler with a blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine-management system to boost the performance of its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine.

Hennessey transforms the exterior with custom VelociRaptor bumpers, LED off-road lights, unique Hennessey 10-spoke alloy wheels, and VelociRaptor 500 Bronco badging. The interior features Hennessey’s embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats, and a unique build number plaque.