If there’s one vehicle synonymous with Hennessey, it’s the Chevrolet Corvette.
That relationship is poised to continue in a big way, with Hennessey
announcing today that it will offer modified versions of the new mid-engine Corvette
with up to 1,200 horsepower (895 kilowatts). Other less radical options
for Corvette buyers will also be offered, but either way you slice it,
Hennessey seems ready to rock with the new supercar.
To that end, Hennessey will initially offer an exhaust system upgrade
that will bring a “slight power increase.” An exact number isn’t
mentioned, but from there a supercharger kit will bump the C8 to 700 hp
(522 kW). The big tamale will see the Corvette’s current LS2 V8 rebuilt
with upgraded internals and crowned with a pair of turbochargers to
reach 1,200 hp. An upgraded dual-clutch transmission will shuffle that
power exclusively to the rear wheels. Regardless of power, Hennessey
will also offer a CarbonAero exterior body kit, upgraded Brembo brakes,
adjustable suspension, and special wheel/tire packages.
Reports surfaced prior to the C8’s reveal that the Corvette’s electronics were designed to be tamper-proof, and hence, untunable. The C7 ZR1
had a similar system in place that Hennessey was eventually able to
modify. It’s unclear if Hennessey already has the 2020 Corvette’s brain
figured out, but we suspect the tuner is eager to offer high-horsepower
alternatives before Chevy’s own monster Corvette hit the streets in the
coming years.
Current rumors say the new ZR1 will also boast two turbochargers, but it will run the high-rpm DOHC V8 used in the C8.R race car.
It will also be electrically assisted and all-wheel-drive, generating
an alleged 900 hp (671 kW). Also unconfirmed is the fabled Corvette Zora, which could see production models going beyong the 1,000-hp (746 kW) mark.
