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.

Hennessey Venom GT to debut at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

It's been two years since John Hennessey announced that he was going to be building his own supercar, but the plans are still a go as it has been announced that the car will make it's debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Some specs have changed. Curb weight is down from 2700 to 2400 pounds. The proposed engine is now a "Hennessey V8" instead of a Viper V10. Power is up to 1200hp rather than the inital 1000hp, and top speed is said to be 274mph. Soon we will know if that car can pull off these lofty goals.

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 HPE700 Camaro

Hennessey Performance Engineering has unveiled the HPE700, which features a 2010 Camaro SS with a supercharged LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1. And as if that wasn't enough, HPE has tuned the bad boy to produce 705 hp and 717 lbft or torque.



Other performance goodies include 15-inch carbon ceramic brakes cribbed from the ZR1, upgraded suspension bits and HRE alloy rims shod with Michelin PS2 rubber. HPE chose not to leave well enough alone in the looks department, either. The HPE700 has inherited the controversial see-through hood from the ZR1, along with a body package that includes a full carbon fiber ground effects kit and a unique front fascia with faux-hideaway headlights and a billet aluminum grille.



The HPE700 is understandably a lot of car to handle, so Henessey is providing a 1 day performance driving course with the purchase price of $109,500. The first orders will be accepted next week to registered bidders at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ with regular orders being taken the following week.



PRESS RELEASE:



HENNESSEY PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION 705 HP LS9 POWERPLANT FOR THE 2010 CAMARO



Extreme Performance Makeover Transforms the 2010 Camaro from Muscle Car to Super Car!



SEALY, TX – Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, announces their Limited Edition 2010 HPE700 Camaro.



At the heart of the beast is GM's new LS9 supercharged V8 tweaked as only HPE could to 705 horsepower and 717 lb-ft torque. To qualify as a supercar under the HPE banner it can't just go, it has to whoa. With optional 15 inch carbon brakes from the stunning new Corvette ZR1, light weight HRE wheels with Michelin PS2 tires and full suspension upgrades the HPE700 Camaro will be able to make full use of its new found power.



In addition to the power and handling upgrades., Hennessey will also be offering an exterior aerodynamics package to improve downforce at high speed. Penned by British designer, Steve Everitt, Hennessey's Cam-Aero ™ body upgrades include: Carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber side rocker panels, carbon fiber front splitter, front fascia with hideaway-look headlights and front billet grille. Completing the look of the HPE700 is a ZR1 inspired hood design with window showing off the Hennessey's tweaked LS9 powerplant.



"The HPE700 Camaro allows our customers to combine supercar power and performance with classic American muscle car looks in a modern, daily-drive usable sportscar with a backseat and a trunk!," said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will be announcing other Hennessey turnkey vehicle packages for the 2010 Camaro in the near future along with an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories. But for now, the LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro, replete with ZR1 inspired looks and performance promises to be at the top of the American muscle car food chain later in 2009.



HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-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.



Hennessey is offering the first HPE700 Camaros exclusively to registered bidders at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Orders can be placed at the Hennessey display at the show or by phone or email beginning Tuesday, January 13 through Sunday, January 18, 2009. On Monday, January 19, 2009 the HPE700 Camaro will be available to the general public and can be ordered from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering.



Base price for the 2010 HPE700 Camaro is $109,500.



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.

Hennessey HPE600 Challenger with up to 725 horsepower!

Like most people, you most likely haven't even seen a Challenger yet. It's a very new model after all. Not only has John Hennessey seen one, he's already offering a tuner model with substantially more power than the stock version.

For years Hennessey has offered insanely tuned Dodge Vipers that defy all normal human logic with their ridiculous horsepower and earth moving torque. Now, thanks to the generous boost used on the Challenger HPE600, Hennessey Performance Engineering is offering kits that can take your 6.1 liter Hemi equipped Challenger up to 725 horsepower.

Hennessey will offer kits that boost power to 500, 530, and 575 hp while remaining naturally aspirated. Between 600 and 725 hp is availiable with the boost, using either a supercharger or turbocharger.

"The Challenger does a lot of things very well and the factory SRT8 is a great car to start with," said company founder John Hennessey. "Unfortunately, it's a big car weighing over 4,000 lbs. So, while we can't remove 800 lbs from the car, we can add another 195 hp."

Hennessey took the HPE600 turbo model with 620 hp and 650 lbft of torque to the track and ripped off an 11.9 second quarter mile at 121 mph. Also offered is a suspension kit, which features unique bushings, larger anti-roll bars and coil-over shocks and springs. Also available is a brake kit with StopTech pads and lightweight rotors, a shift kit for the transmission, polished aluminum Hennessey five-spoke wheels and either Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires or Nitto drag radials.

And of course, none of this comes cheap. The HPE600 turbo kit will lighten your pockets by $29,500, or $74,950 for a complete turnkey car.