Hennessey HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible revealed

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible not only gives Camaro fans a top down toy, it also provides a new canvas for the aftermarket. While convertibles are not well known for their structural rigidity, they are known for their fun factor. And the fun factor promises to be off the scale when it comes to Hennessey's latest, the HPE700 Camaro convertible.

For 2011, the HPE will be available in both coupe and convertible, with a run of only 24 cars. In case you forgot, the HPE loses its LS3 V8 and gains an LS9 from a ZR1 Corvette. With a little tuning, the supercharged V8 produces 755 horsepower and 763 pound feet of torque. All that power is good for a 0-60 run of 3.3 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 10.9seconds at 130 miles per hour (for the hardtop).

Pricing is $132,500, and you can find all the specs and details in the Press Release below.



Press Release

LS9-Powered Camaro Goes Topless

New 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Gets Convertible Option and 755 Horsepower

SEALY, TEXAS – With the limited production run of Hennessey's 2010 HPE700 Camaro long since sold-out, the company has announced they will build another 24 units for the 2011 model year. This latest run of HPE700's will include the addition of the new convertible model (from Chevrolet) and an increase in power from its supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 – the same engine found in the Corvette ZR1.

The 2011 HPE700 gets its additional power from revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system, delivering 755 bhp and 763 lb-ft of torque. This 30 horsepower increase over 2010 will also help move the convertible's extra weight, while the large 15 inch brakes from last year remain to bring it back to a stop quickly.

As the Camaro convertible arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2011, the 6-speed manual SS model will become available alongside its hardtop brethren to become the basis for the HPE700 LS9 Camaro transformation.

HPE founder and president, John Hennessey said, "We have already sold a several of our 2011 HPE700's in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the convertible LS9 Camaro to become an even rarer option than before". "I expect that we will sell all 24 units just as we did in 2010. However this time we will probably sell-out even sooner as the convertible option will certainly be attractive – especially with 755 horsepower".

In addition to the upgraded LS9 engine, the HPE700 also includes an adjustable coilover suspension, larger sway bars, HPE lightweight wheels, larger 15-inch brakes with 6-piston front calipers, stainless steel long tube headers, painted hockey stripe, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, CarbonAero™ carbon fiber body kit and more to complete the car's distinct look and performance characteristics.

As with the 2010 model year, the 2011 HPE700 LS9 Camaro will be limited to just 24 units, with no set allocation between coupe and convertible. Pricing for the complete HPE700 upgrade, including the base vehicle, is $132,500 and can be ordered directly through HPE or one of Hennessey's authorized Chevrolet dealers.

2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Specifications

Power:
• 755 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
• 763 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance (Hardtop):
• 0 - 60 mph: 3.3 sec. *
• 1/4 mile: 10.9 @ 130 mph *
• Skidpad: 1.01 g
• 60 - 0 mph braking: 104 ft.
Note: * with optional 305/35-20 Nitto Drag Radial Tires

2011 HPE700 Camaro Includes:
• Base 2011 Camaro SS with 6-speed Manual Transmission (convertible or hardtop)
• LS9 6.2 Liter Supercharged Engine with Intercooler
• HPE Cold Air Induction System
• Supercharger Pulley Upgrade
• High-Flow Fuel Injectors
• Fuel System Upgrade
• Intercooler System Upgrade
• CarbonAero ™ Bodywork: Front Spoiler, Rear Bumper Diffuser & Side Rocker Panels
• Long Tube Stainless Steel Headers
• HPE Extreme Duty Clutch & Flywheel Upgrade
• HPE Race Shift Knob and Shifter Upgrade
• HPE Light Weight Alloy Wheels
• 20 x 10.5 inch (rear); 20 x 9.5 inch (front)
• Pirelli P-Zero Tires, 275/35-YR20 (front); 305/35-YR20 (rear)
• Brembo Front Brake Upgrade: 6-Piston Calipers with Light Weight 15 inch Cross-Drilled Rotors
• Brembo Rear Brake Upgrade: 4-Piston Calipers with 14 inch Light Weight Rotors
• KW / HPE Variant 3 Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension Upgrade
• KW / HPE Front & Rear Sway Bar Upgrades
• Painted Hockey Stick Side Stripe with LS9 logo
• Hennessey Embroidered Head Rests & Floor Mats
• Limited Edition HPE700 Dash Plaque & Hood Plaque
• HPE700 & Hennessey Logos Painted on Rear Deck Lid
• Hennessey Letter of Authenticity
• HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports
Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 30,000 square foot production
facility and showroom.

Video: Hennessey Venom on the dyno - 933 hp at the wheels!

By now, we all know that Hennessey has a reputation for taking fast cars and bestowing upon them loads of horsepower. But now they are working on something quite ambitious for even an experienced tuner - building their own car from the ground up.

And an impressive car it is. We have seen pictures, video, and read lots of specs on the Venom GT, but until all the talk is backed up with some real dyno time, naturally everyone will have doubts. This video effectively silences them.

The final version of the GT features a twin turbo V8 sourced from the Corvette ZR1, and it churns out 933 rear wheel horsepower and 874 lb-ft of torque. And this is with regular old pump gas, no race fuel here. We are just guessing, but we don't think that a gross hp of over 1,000 is going to be a problem.

Hennessey MaxBoost 435 Lincoln MKS

Ford's EcoBoost technology is just beginning to trickle into some of the automaker's models. One of the first to receive the boosted treatment was the Lincoln MKS. The V6 powered Lincoln is pretty stout in stock form, putting out 355hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Hennessey Performance is the first to offer an upgraded kit for the EcoBoost V6, the MaxBoost 435. The kit ups the ante to 435hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes quick at 4.5 seconds, and the quarter mile happens in 13.08conds at 106 mph.

The parts that make this Lincoln as quick as a BMW M5 include a cold air induction kit, polished intercooler piping, engine management software upgrade, and a cat back exhaust. Hennessey also backs the package with a one year, 12,000 mile warranty. Check out this video above to see it in action.

Video: Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V has earned many accolades in the years since it was first introduced in 2002. It is indeed a four door Corvette, combining the best of both worlds with lots of performance and lots of style to boot.

Of course, having a world class four door luxury sports car still isn't enough for some folks. A market certainly exists for more, and Hennessey Performance specializes in finding more.

Enter the V700 upgrade package for the current Cadillac CTS-V. The package boosts power to an astounding 707 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque from the 6.2 liter V8. The extra 150hp comes courtesy of a cold air induction system, a smaller supercharger pulley, a new engine management system, long tube headers, three-inch exhaust system with high-flow cats, an upgraded intercooler, more aggressive cam, and high-flow heads.

All that power adds up to some equally impressive performance numbers. 0-60 comes in 3.3 seconds with top speed hitting 211 mph. Check out the video to see the performance testing for yourself and see what makes this beast the best of both worlds.

Video: Hennessey's HPE700 Camaro on the track

Hennessey has managed to shoehorn a ZR1's LS9 under the hood of a new Camaro, and tuned it to put out 705 horsepower. Not only did they add some serious power, they added some serious suspension parts to make it handle as well as it goes in a straight line.

Of course they wanted to make sure that it lives up to all that promise, so they set out to wring the car out at the track. Specifically, MSR Houston. Check out the video to hear all the sweet sounds of the LS9, and watch the car pull 1g on some turns.

2010 Hennessey Z700 Corvette ZR1

Hennessey Performance Engineering makes a living off taking fast cars and making them ultra fast. It was only a matter of time before they got their hands on the ultimate American performance car, the Corvette ZR1, and worked some magic (or horsepower) on it.

The Z700 has a worked over LS9, raising output from a factory stock 638hp to a more stout 705hp. HPE has also shed some pounds from the car, adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone save 60 lbs. of rotating weight.

Other enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, and an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

Hennessey is planning to fly the car out to the famous Nürburgring in an attempt to best the stock car's best lap time of 7:26. Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1.
PRESS RELEASE

Hennessey Throws Hat in the "Ring"

Announces Limited Edition 705 hp Z700
Nurburgring-Tested Track Upgrade for the 2010 Corvette ZR1


SEALY, TX – The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "Too much horsepower is never enough" Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company's 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 ZR1.

Porsche 911 owners wanting the ubber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey's Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey's Z-Aero ™ carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat in the Ring – literally – and plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 copies of this limited edition Corvette ZR1 for the 2010 model year. Each buyer gets 1-day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey's own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is located next to the company's facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full ¼ mile dragstrip as well as a 1.1-mile road course, which will soon be under construction.


2010 Hennessey Z700 - Corvette ZR1 Specifications

Power:

705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:

0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
¼ mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
Intercooler System Upgrade
Air Induction System Upgrade
Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
Lowered Factory Suspension
Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
Custom Exterior Colors
Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

Video: Hennessey HPE700's LS9 is running

We recently brought you some pictures proving that the Corvette ZR1's LS9 fit well in the 2010 Camaro, specifically in Hennessey's HPE700. Now they have the beast up and running, and the sound is truly something to behold. Keep in mind the car is running with open headers, but it should still sound nasty with a full exhaust.

Hennessey Camaro gets it's ZR1 LS9

Hennessey Performance has completed the most crucial task in building it's latest creation, the HPE700. It managed to fit the Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor underhood, all 6.2 liters of it.

The engine cover that's visible through a polycarbonate window on the Corvette ZR1 lines up nicely against the Camaro's firewall. In it's natural form, the LS9 produces 638hp, but in Hennessey's Camaro it will knock out over 700.

Only 24 examples will be produced, and 11 are already sold. If you want to pick up one of the remaining cars or read more about the car, head over to Hennessey Performance.

Hennessey Camaro HPE550

The Camaro Z28 may be iffy to ever see production considering the pickle that GM is in, don't count out the aftermarket to come to our rescue for high powered GT500 fighters.

Hennessey has come up with it's own version of the new Camaro, dubbed the HPE500. The car starts out as a standard SS model, which with the help of a Magnuson supercharger, achieves 562 hp and 557 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes in a claimed 3.9 seconds and the 1/4 mile time is 11.9 at 119 mph.

The entire HPE550 package, which also includes high-flow fuel injectors, an aero package and aluminum wheels, will set you back $24,950 plus shipping uninstalled, or $31,000 installed, not including the cost of the donor car.

If 562 hp isn't enough for you, check out the HPE700 package featuring 705 hp, or the twin turbo package featuring either 850 or 1000 hp.

PRESS RELEASE

HENNESSEY PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION 562 HP HIGH PERFORMANCE PACKAGE FOR THE 2010 CAMARO

SEALY, TX – Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, announces their Limited Edition 2010 HPE550 Camaro.

At the heart of the beast is a supercharger system added atop the LS3 V8 making 6 psi boost combined with a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system and custom engine management calibration from HPE. This upgrade system results in 562 bhp and 557 lb-ft torque. Rounding out the package, HPE adds a set of light weight 20 inch wheels, Hennessey's Cam-Aero ™ body upgrades include: Rear lip spoiler, carbon side rocker panels and front splitter, Hennessey graphics package and premium floor mats.

Hennessey plans to offer up to 500 units for the 2010 model year. Each HPE550 will come with its own unique serial number which will be displayed on a plaque located on the dash and under the hood. Other options available from HPE include: Larger brakes, suspension upgrades, upgraded interiors along with larger wheels and tires. HPE will also be offering more powerful engine upgrades including twin turbo systems producing up to 1000 hp.

HPE is also offering a modified version of the LS9 motor which currently powers the 638 bhp Corvette ZR1. The company has been testing their 705 bhp variant of the LS9 since February using retired GM engineer and racer, John Heinricy as their development engineer and test driver. Heinricy recently drove Hennessey's ZR1 at the Texas Mile to a record setting speed of 196.7 mph in the standing mile.

"The HPE550 upgrade package gives 2010 Camaro owners the kind of power they are going to want, especially when they roll up on a Shelby GT500 Mustang", said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will also be offering an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories for the 2010 Camaro. From mild to wild, new Camaro owners will be able to order air induction systems, exhaust and header systems as well as supercharger systems, suspension kits and more.

HPE550 buyers will also receive a 1/2-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park – a ¼ mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 24,000 square foot production facility and showroom. The HPE550 Camaro is available from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering. Production will begin in May, 2009 and orders are now being taken.

Located just west of Houston Texas at the Lonestar Motorsports Park complex, HPE has been building American supercars for nearly two decades with its Veyron-beating Venom Vipers, Ford GT's and recently released Dodge Challengers.

Video: Hennessey GTR700 runs 2.8 0-60

John Hennessey makes a living out of making fast cars faster. The GTR700 is no exception, based on the already seriously fast Nissan GT-R and cranking it up a few notches. The upgraded Godzilla pumps out 715 horsepower thanks to numerous mods including a stainless steel exhaust system, new ECU programming, modified turbos with larger compressor wheels, 100mm cold air intake, high-flow fuel injectors, transmission cooler, clutch pack upgrades, and more.

The result is just plain ridiculous, with sixty miles per hour coming in 2.8 seconds, 100 mph in 6.7 seconds and 150 mph in 14.5 seconds. Compared to a stock GT-R, the GTR700 reaches 186 mph in less than half the time. Check out the video to see Hennessey's creation hit a full 1.0g on it's way to a 10.87 sec @ 132 mph quarter mile run.

Hennessey rings out a 705hp Corvette ZR1

Recently retired John Heinricy got a shot to wring out Henessey's new powertrain, a 705 hp LS9 V8 that lives in a new ZR1 Corvette at the MSR Houston. The result is a pretty nice video, but the real news is that this is the exact powertrain that will occupy the engine bay of a certain Hennessey HPE700 Camaro, a car that was revealed back in January.

Hennessey ready to ramp up 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

With the 2010 Taurus SHO just revealed at the Chicago Auto Show, we already have proof that one major tuner is going to be developing some go fast parts for the car. A quick look at this page of Hennessey Performance Engineering's website confirms the company is going to provide an aftermarket for the rebirth of the SHO.

John Hennessey is a former owner of a first generation SHO, and he himself is impressed with the specs of the soon to be released car and is hoping that there will be a strong market for parts. At the onset, expect intake and exhaust mods, followed by a boost controller, turbo and intercooler upgrades and possibly some suspension tweaks.

Hennessey Corvette ZR700

It's been a good month so far for Corvette upgrades. And Hennessey is continuing the trend, revealing this tire shredding ZR700 'vette.

Not satisfied with the mere 638 horsepower that your stock ZR1 provides? Henessey Performance has a solution in the form of a tuning package includes a smaller supercharger pulley that increases boost from 11 to 14 psi, an upgraded intercooler, K&N intake, stainless steel headers, high-flow catalytic converters, and a reprogrammed engine management system that pushes output past the 700-horsepower mark.

If that still doesn't meet your needs, Hennessey can keep the upgrades coming with high-flow cylinder heads and a more aggressive camshaft that puts the ZR1 at 755 hp. Hennessey's website says that 1000 hp is attainable, and we're guessing it involves a pair of turbochargers.

Watch the video to see the ZR700 effortlessly rip down the 1/4 mile in 11.03 seconds.

Hennessey twin turbo Ford GT

Hennessey is perhaps more closely associated with Dodge Vipers to most people, but they also do work on Ford's late, great supercar, the Ford GT, too. What Hennessey does with the GT is sort of up to you. One option they can do is a swap, wherein the factory supercharger is removed and a pair of turbos are fitted. With additional modifications, that car can reach more than 235 mph.

If it strikes you as a sacrilegious thing to do to a rare factory-supercharged car, you can keep your blower and simply add the twin turbos as well. They call that one the Ford GT1000 for the metric tonne of horsepower it produces. It can squirt from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and cover the quarter in 10.6 on its way past 240 mph. The company had one of each on hand at SEMA this year in front of the duPont Registry trailer.