Just ahead of Independence Day, Hypedrive visited what is potentially one of the most American high-performance automotive manufacturers in the game — Texas-based Hennessey Performance. While visiting Hennessey, we toured their various facilities and in true Wild West fashion, put their 1,000 hp VelociRaptoR 1000 Super Truck to the test.
Notably, the example Hennessey had us drive was not just any random vehicle but rather Chassis 001 of 500, a special truck that has seen hundreds of miles logged at its on-site "proving ground." Based on the Ford F-150 Raptor, the modified super truck marks the brand's most powerful Ford truck produced to date. It features a staggering 1,000 hp, which is 300 more hp than the stock iteration of the vehicle.
Key enhancements include a 3.8L supercharger, high-flow air induction, billet fuel rails, a heavy-duty supercharger belt and an upgraded fuel system. This powertrain overhaul enables the VelociRaptoR 1000 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 11.4 seconds at 122 mph. Beyond its impressive performance, the VelociRaptoR 1000 features a host of convenience and aesthetic upgrades, like its 3-inch lift, VelociRaptor bumpers, Hennessey wheels and off-road tires, as well as power fold-out steps.
John Hennessey, the manufacturer's Founder and CEO, calls the VelociRaptoR 1000 the "apex predator of pick-up trucks," adding "Our VelociRaptoR 1000 upgrade, with new wheels, tires, and big Brembo brakes takes this amazing, all-purpose vehicle and makes it the 911 Turbo S of trucks. It’s as good as it gets, period."
We can certainly confirm Hennessey's comments on the truck firsthand. After several high-speed runs around the proving ground, including multiple 100mph+ sprints down its straight away and a few launches — the truck continued to put out power lap after lap as well as provide a somewhat paradoxically comfortable ride.
Other highlights from Hypedrive's visit to Hennessey included a detailed look at its manufacturing facilities, as well as an ultra-exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the research and development center for its Venom F5 — the brand's in-house 1,800 hp, $3,000,000 USD supercar. With over 5 complete Venoms hanging around, we had the privilege of seeing the "OG" chassis 001 as well as one of its more recent Revolution examples.
For a closer look at the experience and to see the VelociRaptoR 1000 in action, check out Hypedrive's latest Reel.
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