Well, if the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro wasn't already the most modified car never to have set a tire inside a dealership, then it most assuredly is now.
Behold the 2010 Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE)700 Camaro, a surprisingly tasteful aftermarket package that blends revised bodywork with the guts of the ZR1 Corvette. It's the Camaro that GM couldn't build on its own, or at least couldn't justify to the accountants.
With the HPE700, you're not just getting a supercharged LS9 V8, you're getting an LS9 that has been tweaked to deliver 705 horsepower and 717 pound-feet of torque. Hennessey has thoughtfully upgraded the suspension as well, but the company wasn't giving any specific details. It did, however, note that the same 15-inch carbon ceramic brakes used on the ZR1 Corvette will be an option on the HPE700. Lightweight HRE wheels and Michelin PS2 tires are standard.
Also on the options list, and presumably on the car pictured above, is an exterior aerodynamics package that improves high speed downforce according to Hennesey. Known as the Cam-Aero package, it includes a new rear spoiler, rocker panels and front splitter all made of carbon fiber, revised front fascia with hideaway headlights and a billet grille. And last but not least, there's a hood window just like the ZR1 so you can see the LS9's largely uninteresting intercooler with your own eyes.
No price was given for the HPE700, but it does include a 1-day performance driving school at Lonestar Motorsports Park which is conveniently located next to Hennessey's production facility. Hennessey said production will start this spring, but it will be glad to accept your order as early as February.
jackson611 says:
07:17 PM, 01/ 8/09
you forgot to mention the 1/2-2 year wait after you pay the full price, and the amazing amount of unhappy customers that Hennessey has had in the past.
stovt001 says:
10:22 PM, 01/ 8/09
+1 to Jackson611. The guys at the Camaro forum were thrilled to see this until someone reminded them that this was Hennessy. Well, here's hoping we'll see something similar from some of the more reputable shops.
redliner says:
08:17 AM, 01/ 9/09
Hennessey = STAY AWAY!
chavis10 says:
08:56 AM, 01/ 9/09
RIP Lingenfelter. He was the man.
jederino says:
11:27 AM, 01/ 9/09
Still, this looks mean, and shows how well this design responds to customization.