Creating a Raptor version of the Bronco was a genius move by Ford, combining the best of its removable-roof off-roader with its legendary Baja pickup truck. The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, which is more than Ford initially projected. That amount of power and torque should be plenty to get the Bronco Raptor out of any sticky off-road situation, but the folks over at Hennessey feel it needed a bit more.

Introducing the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco, the eighth VelociRaptor model from the Texas tuner. Hennessey's tuners were able to extract nearly 20% more output from the boosted V6, totaling 500 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Only 200 units will be built for the 2022 and 2023 model years.

"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," said John Hennessey, company founder and CEO. "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."

To reach that 500-hp figure, the VelociRaptor 500 Bronco features enhanced air induction, a high-capacity intercooler with a blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine management system. With this new tune, the Bronco Raptor produces more power and torque than the standard 450-hp/510-lb-ft F-150 Raptor using the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. All that additional grunt still goes out to a four-wheel-drive system through a 10-speed automatic transmission, as before.

Hennessey didn't just increase the power and call it a day. The Bronco Raptor upgrade package includes special exterior upgrades, including VelociRaptor bumpers, Hennessey 10-spoke wheels, Hennessey Heritage graphics, and VelociRaptor 500 Bronco badging. Inside, the vehicle gets embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats, and a unique plaque. Hennessey could have beefed up the suspension, but the Bronco Raptor already has some of the most capable off-road equipment that's available today, so it was deemed adequate. After all, the Bronco Raptor took years to engineer, and you don't wanna upset that brilliant chassis development, besides with some more power, of course.

This Hennessey upgrade is not cheap - it costs $32,950 on top of the Bronco Raptor's $68,500 MSRP, meaning you will spend at least $101,450 - assuming you got no options from Ford when specifying your Braptor. For reference, the F-150 Raptor R costs $109,145 and comes with a supercharged V8 developing 700 ponies. The Raptor R is likely more practical thanks to its bed, but it does not come with a removable roof an doesn't look as cool as this, in our opinion anyway.

The VelociRaptor 500 Bronco comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and is now available to order through Ford retailers or directly from Hennessey.