SCORE Journal

SCORE Journal - March 2018

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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VelociRaptor 600 Twin Turbo John Hennessey Pumps Up The Boost, To Create Higher Performance Versions Of The Ford Raptor By Dan Sanchez By far, the Ford Raptor pickup one of the most iconic off-road vehicles that any SCORE fan would want to own. The truck was first introduced and tested in 2008, during the SCORE Baja 1000. Years later, the second generation of the truck was introduced in 2017, featuring a 3.5L turbocharged V6 that makes 450 horsepower, and an advanced traction control system for higher off-road capabilities. But leave it to aftermarket performance builders like John Hennessey, to take the current model Raptor to another level. They added another turbo and accompanying modifications, that give the factory V6 an additional 150 horsepower. It was dubbed the Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Twin Turbo. The best description of the truck is done by its performance numbers; 600 horsepower, 622, lbs-ft. torque, zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a 1/4-mile elapsed time of 12.9 seconds at 110 mph. Although it sounds simple to add another turbo to increase the Raptor’s horsepower, it’s definitely not easy to squeeze 600 horsepower from a 3.5L V6. The team at Hennessey are experienced car builders and by adding the second turbo, it increased the boost level of the vehicle, but not without modifying the turbo wastegate, adding a high-flow air induction system, and swapping out the factory intercooler for an upgraded unit with larger piping. These modifications also required recalibrating the factory computer and an upgraded stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. What’s also really cool about their modifications, is that each vehicle build is chassis dyno tested and calibrated, and comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. The added power can definitely get the vehicle across the desert terrain much more quickly, but Hennessey also gives its customers additional options for the truck that goes beyond what’s under the hood. An upgraded front and rear bumper provide greater protection from off-road “mishaps” but it also includes an LED center light bar and four LED driving lights. 20-inch ten-spoke wheels with 35-inch Toyo Open Country tires, and larger Brembo brakes. The company also added a three-inch leveling kit and Hennessey/VelociRaptor exterior emblems to finish off the Hennessey “appearance” that sets this Raptor apart from the rest. Hennessey also experimented with adding a higher level of off-road performance in show-stopping fashion, by building a 6x6 version. For $349,000 the truck features an additional locking rear axle with an upgraded Fox suspension system, and a modified rear bed to accommodate four 35-inch Toyo Open Country tires. According to John Hennessey, the truck was built for the 2017 SEMA show and only 50 of these will be built in the United States. The VelociRaptor 600 is a much better deal at an additional $22,000 on top of the cost of a 2017 or 2018 Raptor. While both of these trucks take the Raptor to another level, there’s no doubt that off-road enthusiasts with the willingness and means to have something unique are going to want one. Although the VelociRaptor isn’t an all-out pre-runner, it’s pretty close to being one that’s perfectly street legal. That alone, makes it one of the most exciting off-road trucks to date. SJ

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