If you’re looking for an SUV more aggressive than the Ford Expedition without resorting to Raptor-like levels of extremism, the latest offering from Hennessey may be the perfect solution. Based on the off-road-focused Expedition Tremor, the new VelociRaptor SUV makes no changes to the powertrain, with the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 deemed hearty enough at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Instead, Hennessey has focused on subtle aesthetic enhancements, better braking performance, sturdier underbody protection, and loftier suspension, taking nothing away from the practicality of the three-row SUV. Let’s take a closer look.
Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Makes the Expedition More Imposing
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey gives the Ford Expedition Tremor a new front bumper with branded steel skid plates and LED lighting, integrating these aftermarket upgrades into the factory fascia without taking away the Tremor’s trademark accents. As is common with any aftermarket off-road enhancement, there’s a suspension lift raising the SUV by two inches. The lift is complemented by custom 20-inch Hennessey Performance wheels wrapped in new all-terrain rubber, hiding upgraded Brembo brakes on the front axle. With the Tremor gaining an electronic locking rear differential missing from the regular Expedition, along with features like Trail Control (effectively off-road cruise control) and Trail Turn Assist (locking a rear wheel to enable tight pivots), Hennessey hasn’t needed to go too crazy with alterations.
Since the raised suspension makes getting in and out more difficult, Hennessey also adds power side steps, but that’s the extent of the exterior changes. Basically, Hennessey has made the Expedition Tremor more capable without turning it into an attention-grabbing monster truck. Inside, the changes are even subtler, with only serialized plaques indicating that the SUV has been modified. As these suggest, production will be limited, though Hennessey hasn’t said how many examples will be produced. As usual, each VelociRaptor carries a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, and sales will be made exclusively through authorized Ford dealers. Unfortunately, pricing has not been revealed, but considering how mild the changes are, it won’t be too expensive.
Hennessey Still Does Extreme Builds
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
While this Expedition Tremor VelociRaptor is a relatively mild build, Hennessey still caters to the extreme. Earlier this year, it created a monstrous diesel super truck with 1,200 lb-ft of torque in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, which it followed up with a supercharged 700-hp Chevy Silverado ZR2. Not forgetting Ram, Hennessey has also applied its skills to the 1500 RHO, upgrading the six-cylinder engine to 700 ponies. Given that the Expedition Tremor uses the same engine as the F-150 Raptor, with which Hennessey has plenty of experience, we’re pretty sure the company can make your Expedition Tremor just as wild as the above builds.
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
Hennessey
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog