Hennessey Unveils Eight-Passenger VelociRaptor SUV

The most pressing issue we can find with Ford’s awesome F-150 SVT Raptor is that even in its biggest body, it can only take five people across sand dunes at 80 miles an hour. What if your brood includes a few extra bodies? You’d be forced to choose, and then the kids that got left behind would develop crushing abandonment issues, all because you bought a Baja racing truck with just five seats. For shame!

 

It’s a good thing then that Hennessy has come along with an eight-passenger version of its VelociRaptor. Based on a standard Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Hennessey has essentially fitted some new sheetmetal, and tossed a few seats in the newly covered bed. Hennessey’s tuners have let the work of Ford’s engineers do the talking, leaving the majority of the Raptor’s systems as they came from the factory.

 

Those looking for an extra bump in horsepower to go along with the extra 600 pounds the SUV package adds can opt for the VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged package, which tosses a supercharger on the 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8. Other upgrades in the package include an air-to-water intercooler, an HPE engine management system, and improved fuel injectors. Output is elevated to 600 ponies, and drivers can get to 60 in just 5.9 seconds instead of 7.5.

 

The VelociRaptor SUV can also be upgraded independently of the 600 Supercharged pack. Brembo brakes can be added to the front, while even larger wheels and tires can be fitted. There are also a host of interior upholstery and electronic upgrades that can be had.

 

Hennessey is only planning on producing 30 units per year. And as the company hasn’t fully tested its off-road prowess, it’s recommending owners don’t go crazy on the dunes just yet. Instead, founder John Hennessey says, “If you’re looking for the ultimate vehicle to drive from Aspen to Telluride in January, the VelociRaptor SUV would be perfect." So really, this is more of a GT car to the standard VelociRaptor’s track-day special. Fine by us.

Pricing is a bit extreme, starting at $149,500. That’s an easy pill to swallow, though, as the alternative is years of visits to the shrink for your three least favorite children.

 

 

Please scroll down for the official press release from Hennessey.

 

 

The Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV can be ordered directly from Hennessey Performance or through select Hennessey / Ford dealers.