Hennessey preparing 350-hp Ford Ranger

Off-road-focused modifications are planned, too.

Ford has previously indicated it won't sell the hotter, Raptor-badged Ranger available overseas in the United States. It was designed exclusively for global markets. American buyers who want more power without stepping up to an F-150 aren't entirely out of luck, though. Tuner Hennessey confirmed it's working on an upgrade package for Ford's smallest and newest pickup truck.

In America, the Ranger's only available engine is a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder shared with the Mustang and the Focus RS. It makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Hennessey's upgrades will boost those figures to 350 and 385, respectively, according to a company representative who spoke to Autoblog. To add context, the now-defunct Focus RS offered 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from the same EcoBoost turbo four.

Hennessey will achieve those numbers by fitting a high-flow intake system and a bigger exhaust. The firm will also tweak the Ranger's ECU. The update package won't include modifications to the actual engine. Adventurers will also be able to order off-road bumpers, fender flares that cover 18-inch wheels wrapped by 33-inch tires, and a lift kit.

Autoblog learned that Hennessey will announce full details (including pricing and availability) about the upgrades it's planning for the Ford Ranger in the coming months.