The Hennessey VelociRaptor 1200 is a beast that is hard to tame, but it is truly impressive

In the United States there is an undeniable fondness for powerful vehicles with a wild, dynamic and commanding image. Manufacturers know this and offer models that fit this aesthetic. In addition, there are tuners who, through their work, feed this trend by reinforcing models already on the market.

Hennessey is one of those tuners who have dared to modify some of these models, giving them more impressive and eye-catching features. In fact, their latest project starred a spectacular Ford F-250, which they subjected to several modifications to give it greater presence and create a new, more powerful vehicle.

They called it the VelociRaptor 1200, and it is as spectacular as you can see in the images. The name does not refer to the power of its engine, as you might think, but rather to its torque, expressed in pound-feet, the unit used in the United States. This equals 1,630 Nm, a spectacular figure that means there is no terrain it cannot tackle.

The engine has not been updated, although the 6.7-litre V8 turbodiesel block produces an impressive 500 CV and those spectacular 1,630 Nm of torque. And so that the exterior does not clash with the powertrain that brings it to life, Hennessey has worked to reinforce its image and make it more powerful.

A more striking look

The first thing you notice is that the ground clearance has been increased by 12.7 centimetres, using a BDS suspension lift. It also features adjustable Fox 2.5 shock absorbers and new-design 18-inch wheels, fitted with off-road tyres measuring 37 inches.

The front and rear bumpers have been replaced with steel pieces, and several elements made from carbon fibre have been installed. The material can be found in the exhaust outlets, the new bonnet fitted to the vehicle, the widened wheel arches, the mirror caps and the panel that extends across the tailgate. These are not there to save weight on the pick-up; their purpose is purely aesthetic.

Other additions include LED fog lamps, along with an extra LED light bar to improve visibility, new graphics to highlight its belonging to this limited series, and deployable electric running boards with LED lighting, included as standard on every unit.

The interior, to match

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara upholstery with red details. There are also touches that mark this special Hennessey variant so that the driver and occupants never forget where they are.

Only 250 units of this uprated kit will be built, so there will be no more than that number on American roads. The kit will cost 54,500 dollars, excluding the donor vehicle. A pick-up that is not for everyone, but whoever can enjoy it will do so in style.