cars-trend: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

Sunday, 31 July 2011

Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

Meet the Hennessey HPE700 Camaro, one of the stars of the 2009 SEMA show. The HPE700's tuned 6.2L supercharged LS9 V-8 now wears long-tube headers and pumps out a thundering 725 hp and 741 lb-ft of torque, enough to rocket the car to 60 mph in just 3.5 secs and down the quarter-mile in just 11.3 secs at 126 mph. Hennessey says the car is actually good for even quick quarter-mile E/Ts, but is limited by traction issues. An upgraded clutch, flywheel and shifter do their part to help put that power down, but they can only do so much.
Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Front 1
This isn't just some one-trick, straight-line muscle car, though. Six-piston Brembo calipers dig into 15-in. front brakes while four-piston calipers attack the 14-in. rear brakes. All that clamping power is good enough to stop the HPE700 from 60 mph in just 104 ft, according to Hennessey. Meanwhile, KW Variant 3 coilover suspension components and front and rear sway bars keep everything under control. Down on the pavement, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, size 275/35 front and 305/35 rear have the unenviable task of trying to put all that power on the ground while staying attached to their Hennessey three-piece 20-in. wheels.
With a ZR1 engine under lurking below, a windowed hood was a must, but it's not the only body upgrade. The HPE700 gets Hennessey's full Cam-Aero body kit that adds a carbon-fiber front spoiler, rear diffuser and side rocker panels and they'll paint the car in any factory color you'd like. They'll also paint hockey stick-style stripes down the sides with LS9 logos and put some Hennessey and HPE700 logos on the trunk so everyone knows what you're driving.
Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Front 2
Inside, you get the usual assortment of headrest and floor mat embroidery, a dash plaque, a hood plaque and a letter of authenticity. To ensure that you'll be able to keep your one-of-only-24-built HPE700 around for a long time, Hennessey will also throw in a free day of driving instruction at their Lonestar Motorsports Park. If you're looking to spend extra, though, you can also pop for the 850-hp or 1000-hp twin turbo upgrades and/or Connolly Leather in custom colors.
Only 24 HPE700s will be built out of 2010 Chevrolet Camaros and it'll cost you a cool $119,500 to get one out the door, but at least that includes the price of the donor car.