There's bad news for anyone underwhelmed by the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor's powertrain: Larger-displacement engines aren't in store for the off-road monster.
At the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R launch Ford Performance boss Carl Widmann explained to Motor Authority why the Bronco Raptor ["Braptor"] doesn't have a larger, more powerful, engine than its current twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6's a no-go
Simply put, the Braptor's too narrow for the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque in the Ford F-150 Raptor.
While the Braptor is far from narrow–it's 8.6 inches wider than stock, making it 7.5 feet wide–the added width is from the massive 37-inch tires, long-travel Fox remote reservoir suspension, and running bits. The actual engine bay isn't wider than the standard Bronco lineup.
The engine bay, specifically the space between the shock towers, is too narrow and tight to fit the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 properly, according to Widmann—with emphasis on "properly."
It may be possible to shoehorn the larger engine under the hood, but that doesn't mean Ford can or will. The automaker needs the engine to fit, and also to have enough space to keep cool, breathe, and pass crash tests while meeting safety standards.
2023 Ford Bronco DR
The 5.0-liter V-8: not enough torque
Enthusiasts clamoring for Ford to shove the 5.0-liter V-8 under the Braptor's hood aren't going to get their wish either.
Widmann said the 5.0-liter V-8 doesn't have enough low-end torque to satisfy the Raptor engineering team's requirements. Nothing aside from a supercharger would solve that issue, but Ford doesn't offer a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 in any vehicle from the factory.
Ford did put the 5.0-liter V-8 into a Bronco, but it was a purpose-built mid-$200,000 desert racer. Dubbed the 2023 Ford Bronco DR, the V-8-powered Bronco was developed as a turnkey racer, and it's not street-legal. Ford built it for those looking to run the Baja 1000 with a factory rig. Only 50 were available with the implication more would be sold at a later date.
The V-8 in the DR was said to target an output of over 400 hp, which is less than the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 in the Braptor, which is rated at 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.
2022 Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco
More power to come?
Ford Performance now sells more power for the Bronco and Explorer ST, but has made no mention of the Braptor, yet.
The Explorer ST dances with the family out of the box with the Braptor's engine rated at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The factory-backed tuning offered by Ford Performance ups power output in the Explorer ST to 430 hp and 467 lb-ft.
Ford hasn't hinted whether a Bronco Raptor R will join the lineup to slot above the existing vehicle and below the F-150 Raptor R, but Hennessey's already tuned the Bronco Raptor to 500 hp—for an additional $32,950 above the cost of the vehicle itself.
Hennessey® Performance Reveals Menacing Bronco VelociRaptor® 500
• Upgrades deliver a commanding 20 percent boost over factory engine output to 500 bhp • Custom Hennessey bumpers, alloy wheels, and unique badging differentiate the rugged 4x4• Performance enhancements protected by a comprehensive Hennessey warranty• Definitive Hennessey-tuned Bronco Raptor upgrade package priced at MRSP $32,950Sealy, Texas [October 4, 2022] – Hennessey® the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, announces the arrival of its all-new Bronco VelociRaptor® 500 — the eighth VelociRaptor® model to come from Hennessey®’s development team.
Engineered to be more potent and capable than Ford’s factory Bronco Raptor, Hennessey®’s engineers applied their expertise to the 4×4’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. A new high-capacity intercooler, proprietary engine management system tuning, and high–flow exhaust modifications allow the Bronco VelociRaptor® 500 to deliver nearly 20 percent more output – 500 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of terrain conquering torque!
The new high-output Hennessey® model increases capability and adrenaline in every scenario, adding serious speed on road and ratcheting-up off-road ability. But Hennessey® didn’t stop there. Their engineering team boosts road presence and style by lifting the vehicle three inches and offering its Hennessey® Heritage graphics, adorned with a Hennessey® bucking bronco.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “Our customers are big fans of the new Bronco, but they’ve been asking us for more power and greater performance capabilities from day one. Ford’s Raptor version is a big improvement, but the engine has even more potential. Our engineering team has released its potency to create the ultimate all-powerful off-road SUV.”
Priced from $32,950 – exclusive of the base Ford Bronco Raptor – the VelociRaptor® 500 package features enhanced air induction, a high-capacity intercooler with blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine-management system to boost performance of its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Hennessey® transforms the exterior with custom VelociRaptor® bumpers, unique Hennessey® 10-spoke alloy wheels, Hennessey® Heritage graphics, and VelociRaptor® 500 Bronco badging. The interior features Hennessey®’s embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats, and unique plaque.
Following an intensive period of R&D, every Hennessey® VelociRaptor® 500 Bronco is road-tested at the company’s private test track. Hennessey® prides itself on the reliability of its vehicles and quality of its workmanship, backing up every Bronco build with its comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty. Available for international shipping, the new Hennessey® VelociRaptor® 500 Bronco is available now through authorized Ford retailers or directly from Hennessey®, by calling +1 979.885.1300 or visiting HennesseyPerformance.com.
FORD BRONCO RAPTOR UPGRADES
SPECIFICATIONS
Combining performance modifications with off road enhancements, the VelociRaptor® 500 upgrade package delivers the Ford Bronco Raptor to a whole new level of capability.
- 500 bhp @ 5,700 rpm
- 550 lb-ft torque @ 3,900 rpm
- Engine Management Software Upgrade
- Upgraded Exhaust System
- High-Flow Air Filtration
- Upgraded Heat Exchange
- 18-inch Hennessey® Wheels [Incl. Spare]
- 37-inch Off-Road Tires
- VelociRaptor® Front Bumper with Pod FogLights
- VelociRaptor® Rear Bumper Upgrade
- Professional Installation
- Chassis Dyno Tuning
- Road Testing [Up To 500 Miles]
- Hennessey WeatherTech Floormats
- Hennessey® Exterior Badging
- VelociRaptor® Exterior Badging
- Heritage Edition Livery
- Hennessey® Embroidered Headrests
- Limited Edition [200 units for 2023]
- Serial Numbered Engine Bay Plaque
- 3 year/36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
VELOCIRAPTOR® 500 BRONCO RAPTOR
Ford Bronco Raptor
Upgrades & Modifications
The VelociRaptor® 500 Bronco Raptor performance upgrade and modification package by Hennessey® Performance is the best warranty-guaranteed Bronco Raptor upgrade for the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor.
0
HORSEPOWER
550
LB-FT OF TORQUE
3 Year / 36,000 Mile
WARRANTY
FORD BRONCO RAPTOR ENGINE UPGRADES
The best upgrades for 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor include an all-new intake and exhaust system, engine recalibration, and a larger front-mounted intercooler system. Hennessey® Performance harnesses the Bronco Raptor 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine to deliver high-speed thrills to the iconic 4×4 SUV.
Hennessey® Performance, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has brought forward production of its new VelociRaptor® 500 Ford Bronco Raptor performance upgrades and modifications package to satisfy high customer demand. The new model is available in an eye-catching new livery with output upgraded to 500 bhp @ 5,700 rpm and 550 lb-ft torque @ 3,900 rpm.
Testing for all Hennessey® Performance models begin at the company’s headquarters in Sealy, Texas. Under the guidance of our Research and Development team, each model line is subjected to hundreds of hours of research and development. This helps guarantee that Hennessey® Performance’s 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor performance parts enhance every aspect of the vehicle while retaining complete usability and manufacturer driving modes.
After lab-based evaluation, development moves to Hennessey® Performance’s various on-site dyno bays for live assessment. The final phase sees development models pound the Pennzoil Proving Ground at Hennessey® Performance’s headquarters to evaluate the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor tune upgrade in the real world. Even after each model line is signed-off, every customer vehicle undergoes its series of quality assurance tests, including a detailed test drive by Hennessey® Performance’s engineers.
Customer satisfaction is at the core of every Hennessey® Performance Ford Bronco Raptor performance upgrades and modifications package. Emphasizing this point, the company provides a comprehensive warranty on each 3.0-liter V6 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor VelociRaptor® 500 upgrade to provide total peace of mind. Customers are invited to take final delivery of their new Hennessey® vehicle at the Pennzoil Proving Grounds in Sealy, Texas for the ultimate performance experience.
Our customers are big fans of the new Bronco, but they’ve been asking us for more power and greater performance capabilities from day one. Ford’s Raptor version is a big improvement, but the engine has even more potential. Our engineering team has released its potency to create the ultimate all-powerful off-road SUV.
LIMITED EDITION
HERITAGE BRONCO
The Hennessey® VelociRaptor® 400 Heritage Edition is the ultimate Bronco modification package in the most American way possible: bigger, taller, more power, more noise and a sleek livery! Hennessey® will upgrade your Bronco to pack a punch on the daily and on your outdoor adventures, all while sporting the Heritage Edition Livery!
FORD BRONCO GALLERY
Hennessey® ‘s VelociRaptor® 400 Bronco is an incredibly nimble machine. This performance package is supported by a world-class customer experience and guaranteed with an industry-leading warranty.