Hennessey->ke1863 has been modifying Ford->ke31 trucks for quite a while now, including the company’s popular VelociRaptor upgrade. Built to offer more power and a competitive suspension system to Ford’s production F-150 Raptor, the VelociRaptor takes a standard F-150 and turns it into something far cooler than the 2009-2014 F-150 Raptor found at any Ford dealership.

Now that the next-generation of F-150 has hit the market, Hennessey has begun upgrading the all-new, aluminum-intensive pickup.->ke242 Added power from the 5.0-liter V-8, heavy-duty bumpers, and the Fox Racing suspension are just the beginning of the modifications.

Granted, Hennessey has the market all to itself at this point. The regular production Raptor died with the last generation of F-150 and the second-generation Raptor won’t be in showrooms till the last part of 2016, branded as a 2017 model. For now, folks wanting a brand new F-150 with all the suspension travel and off-road capabilities have few places to turn, with Hennessey being one.

So let’s take a look at what Hennessey’s VelociRaptor 650 package includes.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford F-150 VelociRaptor 650 By Hennessey.

Exterior

Hennessey starts with a standard F-150 Crew Cab and begins the VelociRaptor transformation in several key areas. The Suspension is upgraded to handle the rigors of high-speed off-road driving thanks to Fox Racing suspension parts. Aftermarket, 20-inch beadlock-style wheels wrapped in aggressive tires sets the look. Large fender flairs keep the theme going while protecting the body and paint from flying debris.

Adding even more toughness are heavy-duty steel bumpers front and rear. The front bumper includes a winch, driving lights, and recovery points. The rear bumper incorporates step pockets, much like the modern GM trucks, along with lift points for a Hi-Lift jack, and LED lights near the license plate.

Power-folding running boards and Ford’s retractable bed-side steps give shorter folks a leg up. And of course, the truck sports the Hennessey and VelociRaptor graphics on several places.

Interior

Note: Standard F-150 pictured here

Hennessey doesn’t mess too much with the F-150’s interior. The stock look is kept, including the SYNC infotainment system and driver's gauge cluster with its TFT screen for vehicle information.

Drivetrain

Of course, much of the hubbub about the VelociRaptor centers on its horsepower upgrades. Starting with the 5.0-liter V-8, Hennessey bolts on a roots-style supercharger, along with several other upgrades that include high-flow fuel injectors, an air-to-water intercooler, a high-flow air intake, a cat-back exhaust system, and an extensive ECU tune. With seven pounds of boost, the V-8’s output jumps from 385 horsepower to an impressive 650 horses.

The rest of the drivetrain is presumably left alone. That means the six-speed automatic transmission, electronically operated, two-speed transfer case, and electronically locking rear differential are all intact as they were when the truck rolled off the assembly line.

Hennessey does take steps to ensure the drivetrain is protected. Underbody skidplates are added to shield against flying rocks, sticks, or any other junk found on the trail. The truck also comes with a three year, 36,000-mile warranty on all of Hennessey's work.

Prices

Hennessey doesn’t advertise pricing for the VelociRaptor 650 upgrade, but be assured, it’s expensive. The truck alone will cost you between $40,000 to $50,000, depending on how you spec it out from Ford. Then come the parts and labor costs from Hennessey. All told, it wouldn’t be unlikely for the truck to cost $65,000 to $70,000.

Competition

Chevrolet Reaper by Southern Comfort

The Chevy Reaper is a solid competitor to the VelociRaptor, though perhaps not as off-road worthy. Made by Southern Comfort, the Reaper takes a stock Chevy Silverado and adds an extensive body kit, a suspension package, wheels and tires, and extra power thanks to a supercharger.

Packages for both the 5.3-liter V-8 and the 6.2-liter V-8 are available, with the 5.3-liter boosted to 475 horsepower, while the 6.2-liter gets 550 horses.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

The VelociRaptor might not be stock, nor have the competitive price advantage to the upcoming 2017 F-150 Raptor, but it does offer an impressive amount of upgraded features and horsepower. Just imagine having 650 horsepower in a pickup. What’s more, the truck is a Hennessey product, which likely increases its resale value compared to other aftermarket upfits.

So for those who “need” a 650-horsepower Raptor-fighter and can’t wait until the 2017 Raptor hits showrooms, the VelociRaptor seems like a legitimate option. Just be ready to throw a lot of money into the truck.