It's a shame we don't really have the roads, conditions or car park spaces for such big, beastly off-roaders as the Ford Bronco here in the UK. Even a Defender is a bit extravagant for all but the most rural farmers on muddy British soil. But if we could justify getting a Bronco, we'd get this one - a 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6, recalibrated by Hennessey to give 410hp. For getting to the birthing sheep in record time (anyone else binging Clarkson's Farm?). Enter the Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco.
The Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and 'high-performance vehicle creator' has retuned the package, maximising power and adding 75hp to the stock range-topping Bronco Wildtrack. That produces a sprint from 0-60mph in under five seconds - 4.9, to be precise. Torque is ramped up too, now giving 503lb ft at 3,900rpm. Which is quite a lot. The Bronco's original engine modes and off-road systems are all retained, thanks to Hennessey's delicate R&D process.
The Hennessey off-road package also includes 35in off-road tyres (that's a whopping 89cm for the youngsters) on 18in wheels, with custom bumpers and retractable side-steps. There's also going to be two- and four-door versions, with or without a Malibu Barbie soft-top. The 400 Bronco be available for $80,000 and is limited to just 200 units for the first year. But it does still come with a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty, so there's that.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: "Whether you're on- or off-road, more power is what our customers demand, and our VelociRaptor 400 Bronco really delivers." It's unlikely the 400 Bronco will make it to the UK, but maybe one to add to your next rental car wishlist when you head on your mid-life crisis Route 66 road trip.