Hennessey has transformed the Ford Expedition Tremor SUV into a three-row VelociRaptor SUV with enhanced off-road capability. It is based on the standard 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine but adds off-road equipment and Brembo brakes. Production will be extremely limited, and sales will be conducted through Hennessey Ford dealers.
A new approach to the SUV
Calls for Ford to “Raptor everything” have been around for a long time. While the company itself avoids this approach, Hennessey is happy to help. Meet the new VelociRaptor Expedition — a family vehicle focused on off-road capability with three rows of seats and a host of small improvements. However, what Hennessey is most famous for — additional power — is absent here.
Technical features
Unlike some Hennessey projects that are almost entirely focused on horsepower, this one is more about capability and appearance. Under the hood remains the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 440 hp (328 kW) and 691 Nm of torque. This is identical to the donor Expedition Tremor vehicle.
Hennessey focused on the chassis and style. The VelociRaptor SUV features a suspension raised by two inches (51 mm), improved off-road tires on special 20-inch wheels, front Brembo brakes, integrated off-road lighting, steel underbody skid plates, power running boards, and a redesigned front bumper.
Exterior and equipment
The result is an Expedition that looks significantly tougher than the standard version, especially thanks to the wider track and massive tires. In many ways, this is likely more akin to a vehicle for long overland journeys than anything else.
Interestingly, Hennessey adds a carbon fiber intake but makes no claims about additional power, ECU tuning, or any performance figures. The six-piston Brembo brakes are a real improvement, and the increased ground clearance and larger tires will undoubtedly help off-road.
Limited production and price
Nevertheless, some might argue that this almost devalues the “VelociRaptor” brand, as most such projects are high-performance products. It would be very strange, for example, if Ford sold something with the Raptor name that didn’t have more power than everything else in the lineup. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if this is simply the foundation for a future VelociRaptor 500 or 600 Expedition.
Production will be extremely limited. Each SUV will receive a serial number plate and a Hennessey warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Orders are already open, with a starting price of $129,950 through authorized Hennessey Ford dealers. A standard Expedition Tremor costs $81,700 excluding the $2,795 destination charge, so the VelociRaptor treatment adds over $45,000, which goes towards equipment and appearance rather than power.
Hennessey Photos
This Hennessey project demonstrates an interesting market trend: even without increasing power, significant modifications to the chassis and exterior can create a unique product for a niche audience. The cost of over $129,000 makes it a luxurious choice for those who value exclusivity and off-road capability but do not require excessive power. The lack of engine changes could be a deliberate move to maintain reliability and meet emission regulations, or perhaps a preparation for future, more powerful versions.