The Word on the Street is…

Hennessey Elevates Ford Ranger Raptor To 500 BHP ‘VelociRaptor 500’

Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has announced the development and engineering for the new “VelociRaptor 500” Ranger. The high-performance midsize pickup is based on the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, to which Hennessey’s engineers applied their extensive expertise to boost power and improve capability.

The team at Hennessey, which has been “making fast cars faster” for more than 30 years, significantly enhanced the pickup’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The powerplant is rated at 405 bhp and 430 lb-ft of torque in stock configuration. Thanks to a new high-flow air induction system, a larger front-mounted intercooler, and an engine management software upgrade, Hennessey’s engineers boosted output to 500 bhp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

As is the case with the Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco Raptor, the powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to an all-wheel-drive system that has locking front and rear differentials and a low-range transmission for additional off-road capability. The extra horsepower will further improve the capabilities of the Ranger Raptor, which is fitted with an active exhaust system, Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shocks, and factory G.O.A.T driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Tow-Haul.

Priced from $24,950—exclusive of the base Ford Ranger Raptor—the VelociRaptor 500 package features enhanced air induction, a high-capacity intercooler with a blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine management system. Hennessey will also transform the exterior with custom VelociRaptor bumpers, LED off-road lights, unique Hennessey 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, 35-inch off-road tires, and “VelociRaptor 500” badging. The interior features Hennessey’s embroidered head restraints, all-weather floor mats, and a unique build number plaque.

The new Hennessey VelociRaptor 500 Bronco is available to order now through authorized Ford retailers or directly from Hennessey by calling 979-885-1300 or visiting HennesseyPerformance.com. International shipping begins in Q4 2023.

Customer Wait Times to Shrink as F-150 Lightning XLT Production Scales

No Reservation Needed for Retail Orders

Ford is on track to increase production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center this fall to reduce customer wait times. The high-demand F-150 Lightning XLT model gains the largest initial production increase with new retail orders made today estimated to deliver as early as September.

Ford also continues to accept retail customer orders for the Lariat and Platinum models. You can order exactly the F-150 Lightning you want from your local Ford dealer online at Ford.com or in-store. The F-150 Lightning XLT, with a starting MSRP of $64,474, delivers an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles. The available extended-range battery has an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles and 580 horsepower starting at $78,874.

The F-150 Lightning XLT—with standard range battery and most configurations for extended range battery—is eligible for $7,500 in potential federal tax credits.

The production increase for the F-150 Lightning is part of Ford’s plan to scale electric vehicles and make them more accessible to customers. Ford is on track to triple F-150 Lightning production by the end of this year to an annual rate of approximately 150,000 units to help meet customer demand for the high-tech truck.

Customers can order their F-150 Lightning from their local dealer at Shop.Ford.com or in-store.

GM Investing $632 Million in Fort Wayne Assembly for Future Truck Production

General Motors Co. has announced plans to invest $632 million in Fort Wayne Assembly to prepare the plant for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size light-duty trucks. This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size truck business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future trucks are not being released at this time.

The announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $31.6 billion since 2013. This investment bolsters GM’s U.S. manufacturing operations, which include more than 50 assembly, stamping, propulsion, and component plants and parts distribution centers nationwide. It also highlights the company’s commitment to continue providing customers a strong portfolio of ICE vehicles for years to come.

Fort Wayne proudly builds the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. The quality and care of the Fort Wayne team members, both hourly and salaried, helped the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado to be the bestselling retail full-size light-duty pickup in 2022. Fort Wayne Assembly hourly employees are represented by UAW Local 2209.

This investment will support new conveyors, tooling, and equipment in the plant’s body and general assembly areas. GM has announced nearly $2 billion in investments for Fort Wayne Assembly and more than $2.8 billion in Indiana manufacturing operations since 2013.