Filed under: Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet



Back in January, we showed you an early rendering of the Hennessey HPE700, a car we called the bastard love child of a Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1. Development of the "ZR1 and then some"-powered Camaro is well underway, and John Hennessey of Hennessey Performance Engineering just sent us this video of the HPE700 powertrain being manhandled by the recently retired John Heinricy on a track in Texas. For now, the 705-horsepower LS9 engine tuned by HPE is living in its native home beneath the hood of a yellow ZR1. In the hands of Heinricy, it propels he and the car up to 145 mph on one of the back straights at MSR Houston. The engine sound is sonorous and quite unlike what we're used to hearing from a Corvette, which means it should sound downright alien in the Camaro. Follow the jump to watch the video and hear what we mean.

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Want to hear what Hennessey's ZR1-powered Camaro will sound like?

VIDEO: Want to hear what Hennessey's ZR1-powered Camaro will sound like? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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I'm surprised to see Heinrocket associating himself with Hennessey...

 

maybe he isn't aware of the History?

 

I really don't know enough about the circumstances of the video to have any personal opinions about it.

I figure more info will come along.

I have read a lot of interesting internet posts from some folks who didn't seem happy with their experiences with Hennessey.

If I were in Heinrocket's position, with his level of respect in the performance community, I think I wouk be more inclined to open my own performace shop. He's a well educated and gifted engineer and driver.

Like I said, not enough info provided at this time to have an opinion one way or the other..

 

That would be cool, but with the news of even Crane Cams going down, now might not be the best time. I would like to see him working with an established company with a good reputation like Lingenfelter or Katech. Both are very well known for their GM based performance vehicles.

I'm betting that he might have done the video because he loves driving fast cars and wanted to see what he could do with a 700hp Vette Who here would pass on the chance to drive that monster, even knowing the Hennssey history.

 

Does GM have a "do not compete" clause for retiring employees? Many manufacturers require engineers to sign one basically not allowing them to start their own business in the same arena for as little as 12-18 months or more after leaving the company. This doesn't prevent them from joining up with another company however.

At least that would be one reason why he doesn't venture off on his own.

 

I hate to see GM vehicles associated with Hennessey.

 

that thing sounds mean!!!!! i like it.

 

I honest to God get a sick feeling in my stomach every time I hear Hennessey advertising a new car. Just feel sorry for all the new victims.

 

What will it sound like when it falls apart?

 

did anyone notice in the drawing of the z28 that the supercharger is right behind the window? shouldnt it be on top of the motor? these motors arent like they were in the 4th gens.(tucked under the dash)