The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor has been getting tons of press these days, and for good reason. But Hennessey Performance apparently thinks it can do better. Meet the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6. Yeah, this tuning firm is adding another axle to the Raptor, along with custom bodywork, bumpers, a roll bar, and LED lights. Oh, and will make 600-plus horsepower!

Hennessey has built some absolutely ridiculous cars and trucks over the years, but this takes the cake. Not even Dodge Hellcats making 1,000 horsepower, Cadillac Escalades hitting 60 mph in 3.9 seconds thanks to 800 horsepower, or Ford Mustang GT350s running the quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds can match the outright ridiculous nature of the VelociRaptor 6x6.

Let’s cover the back story first. Hennessey starting its VelociRaptor program with the first-generation Ford F-150 Raptor. It would supercharge the 5.4-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s for more performance, add beefier wheels and tires, and bolt on custom bumpers for a more rugged look. Continue reading to learn more about the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6X6. even featured one just before Clarkson punched his producer. (Maybe the VelociRaptor’s outpouring of testosterone had something to do with the incident…)

Now with the Raptor entering its second generation, Hennessey has already prepared modifications for the truck’s new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and upgraded suspension system. In stock form, the twin-turbocharged V-6 makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. That ain’t bad, but power can always be added. Current Hennessey estimates say the tuned EcoBoost will kick out just over 600 horsepower.

Let’s dive into what Hennessey has up its sleeve with the VelociRaptor 6x6.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6X6.

Exterior

Wow, short of a profanity-laced explanation of this beast’s appearance, the VelociRaptor 6x6 is an outrageous machine dripping with awesomeness. From bumper to bumper, Hennessey has worked this truck over. Now before we get ahead of ourselves, the VelociRaptor 6x6 is only a rendered concept at this time. The production Raptor isn’t even in showrooms as Hennessey makes this announcement. That doesn’t mean the 6x6 won’t happen. Hennessey has a way of sticking to its word when debuts renderings and announces a new product.

Getting to the truck, the front comes with a custom bumper that includes a grille guard, fog lights, and the VelociRaptor 6x6 branding. Large fender flares reach out over the huge tires. The biggest change to the body is the extended cargo bed. It also has matching fender flares that keep the tires covered. A roll bar rises from the bed and stretches over the cab. The bar also provides a mounting point for the huge LED off-road lights.

The wheels and tires are like nothing we’ve seen before. We suspect they’re just stand-ins for the rendering, soon to be swapped for actual mud-terrain tires and beadlock wheels when production begins. But beyond the extra long cargo bed, roll bar, and bumpers, the VelociRaptor 6x6 carries the same basic design as the standard Raptor – save for the extra axle and tires, of course.

Hennessey has not revealed how it plans on adding the extra axle. The production Raptor comes with leaf springs out back, so some other form of suspension will likely be needed. The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 uses a multilink system with coil springs and external bypass shocks, so it’s possible Hennessey will follow along those lines.

Interior

Hennessey has not released any photos of the VelociRaptor 6x6’s interior. It has said, though, that customers can order “bespoke interiors.” Basically, if your budget can handle it, Hennessey will be more than happy to build it. Want quilted leather seats? Done. Want Alcantara on the headliner and steering wheel? Yep, that too. Need five-point racing harnesses? Who doesn’t? Done.

Beyond that, the VelociRaptor 6x6 comes well equipped with all the trimmings from Ford. You get the console-mounted shifter, auxiliary switches, unique seats with the Raptor logo, SYNC3 infotainment system, big TFT display in the gauge cluster, and huge paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Drivetrain

The 2017 Raptor comes with Ford’s new second-generation, high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It makes a very respectable 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque from the factory and mates to an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Of course, with this being Hennessey, that’s not enough.

Customers can order the optional VelociRaptor 600 Twin Turbo kit for the truck, which boosts power levels to the 600-horse mark. The extra power comes from an upgraded pair of turbochargers, stainless steel exhaust “modifications,” an air-to-air intercooler, and a retuned ECU.

Optionally, the truck can be had with upgraded Brembo front and rear brakes, larger wheels and tires, and the LED lighting system. Customers can even order armoring systems should they expect to incoming hostile fire.

Beyond the power, the VelociRaptor 6x6 will ride on upgraded suspension components that add extra strength. Larger Fox Racing shocks provide extra damping. Yep, apparently bigger shocks than the new three-inch units on the stock Raptor. Both rear axles will feature locking differentials to help with traction, and obviously the Raptor retains its 4WD system. Ford gave the 2017 Raptor a new Torque-On-Demand, two-speed, electronically controlled transfer case sends power to all six wheels while under computer control from Ford’s next-generation Terrain Management System. The TMS system six driver-selectable modes that match different terrains. It includes Normal, Street, Weather, Mud and Sand, Rock, and Baja modes.

Prices

This might be the most ridiculous aspect of the VelociRaptor 6x6. Hennessey will be charging $295,000 for the complete package. That includes the donor Raptor, as well as labor and materials. Those wanting the extra horsepower of the twin-turbo upgrade kit can add an additional $22,500 to the bill. Any other options like the brakes, lighting, or interior upgrades will further elevate the bottom line.

At the signing table, a customer could be looking at a $350,000 bill. Ouch!

Competition

Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6

The only real competition to the VelociRaptor 6x6 is Mercedes’ G63 6x6. Mercedes actually started the luxury 6x6 genre with this beast, and Hennessey is undoubtedly trying to capture some of Mercedes’ success.

The Merc uses a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 making 536 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque to propel the 6x6 over anything it’s pointed at. A seven-speed automatic and full-time 4WD system puts the power down. Locking differentials at each axle, plus between the front and rear ends gives the driver complete control over the wheels. Portal axles give the 6x6 a tall ride height without making the suspension overly stretched.

Pricing is equally huge. Mercedes’ price for the limited-edition 6x6 started around $625,000. Buying one second hand becomes even more expensive. There have been several reports of 6x6s costing upwards of $950,000! Maybe Hennessey’s asking price of $295,000-$350,000 isn’t so outrageous after all…

Read our full review on the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 here.

Conclusion

The Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 is one heck of a machine. From its additional axle and beefed-up suspension to its 600-horse engine upgrade option, this beast is ready to conquer any terrain or obstacle in its way. We suspect Hennessey will be selling plenty of these over the coming year, along with its engine tune for conventional Ford Raptors.

Let us know what you think about Hennessey’s VelociRaptor 6x6 in the comments below.