VIDEO: Hennessey’s Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon vs Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Turbo

American tuning firm Hennessey has crafted some pretty insane vehicles over the years. One of its most recent tunes is based on the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, which leaves GM’s factory with a 556-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 lump, but once Hennessey’s engineers perform their magic under the hood, output is lifted to 650 horsepower.

To show off the tuned CTS-V Sport Wagon’s potential, the Texas-based company brought the Cadillac to the track and drag raced it first against a stock 480HP Porsche 911 Turbo [997] and then a standard 485HP 2011 Nissan GT-R. Watch what happened in the video after the jump.

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READ MORE - VIDEO: Hennessey’s Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon vs Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Turbo

Hennessey Z700: Track-Ready 2010 Corvette ZR1 with 705HP, 775HP or 1000HP

Eager to satisfy those who believe that too much horsepower is never enough, Hennessey Performance Engineering has introduced an uber-Corvette in the form of the 2010 ZR1-based Z700. The American tuner claims that the track-orientated Z700 is to the Corvette what the GT3 RS is to the Porsche 911 and the ACR to the Viper. To be produced in a limited run of 24 units for the 2010MY, the Z700 features an array of performance enhancements including an upgraded version of the ZR1's LS9 V8 engine.

The upgraded supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems help lift output from 638 horsepower to 705 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and peak torque to 717 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. The result is a zero to 60mph (96km/h) sprint time of just 2.9 seconds while the quarter mile is covered in 10.6 seconds at 134 mph. The standard 2010 Corvette ZR1's times are 3.4 seconds and 11.3 seconds at 131 mph respectively.

And if that ain't enough, Hennessey also offers two optional power kits that boost output to 775HP and a massive 1,000HP.

Additional mods on the Z700 include a set of lightweight carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which Hennessey says reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs, a lowered suspension and a new aero parts such as the carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler that are said to add over 300 lbs of downforce.

Inside, the tuner has upgraded the ZR1's cabin with lightweight carbon fiber seats and Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

The price for the basic Z700 including the 2010 ZR1 donor car has been set at $207,150 US or at today's exchange rates, €149,312. That's almost double the price of the factory 2010 Corvette ZR1 638HP that starts from $104,920 and four-times the cost of the basic Corvette Coupe 430HP V8 that begins from $49,515.

HENNESSEY Z700 SPECS

Power:

• 705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
  
• 717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm
  

Performance:

• 0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• 0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
• Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
• Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

• Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
  
• Intercooler System Upgrade
  
• Air Induction System Upgrade
  
• Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
  
• Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
  
• Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
  
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires
  
• Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
  
• Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
  
• 5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
  
• Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
  
• Lowered Factory Suspension
  
• Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
  
• Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
  
• Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
  
• Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
  
• 1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
  
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
  

Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

• Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
  
• Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
  
• Custom Exterior Colors
  
• Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
  
• German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

READ MORE - Hennessey Z700: Track-Ready 2010 Corvette ZR1 with 705HP, 775HP or 1000HP

VIDEO: R&T Takes Hennessey's Venom GT Out on the Track

Remember Hennessey’s barnstorming, 1,200 hp (895 kW) Venom GT? Well its back and the journalistic titans at Road & Track have driven it. And there’s a video, to boot. Weighing in at a lithe 2,685 lbs (1,218 kg), the phenomenal Venom GT builds on Hennessey’s experience with tuning the Viper, 5th generation Camaro and various Cadillacs, among many others. It’s a simple formula, really. Big power + light weight = big fun.

Hennessey first takes a Lotus Elise, arguably one of the best mass produced, lightweight track cars ever made. They strip it down the chassis, lengthen it and rebuild it with a slippery, restyled body that offers the right mix of down force and engine cooling. Then they swap out the Elise’s 1.8 L turbocharged four-pot for a twin-turbo variant of Chevrolet’s 6.9 L LS9 V8, add carbon ceramic brakes and a KW adjustable suspension setup and et voila, the Hennessey Venom GT.

So what’s the verdict? Well, you’ll have to watch the video and make up your own mind. A small hint, but that’s all I’m giving away: the GT is capable of doing 135 mph (217 km/h) in 3rd gear. If that doesn’t make your automotive blood boil, then nothing will.

Hennessey intends to build just 29 of the cars over three years, with a price topping US$600,000 (€455,373). If this were any other car by any other tuner, I’d call that outrageous, but this is a Hennessey and the culmination of all their engineering knowhow. Believe the hype: there’s a new king and his name is Venom GT.

READ MORE - VIDEO: R&T Takes Hennessey's Venom GT Out on the Track

VIDEO: R&T Takes Hennessey's Venom GT Out on the Track

Remember Hennessey’s barnstorming, 1,200 hp (895 kW) Venom GT? Well its back and the journalistic titans at Road & Track have driven it. And there’s a video, to boot. Weighing in at a lithe 2,685 lbs (1,218 kg), the phenomenal Venom GT builds on Hennessey’s experience with tuning the Viper, 5th generation Camaro and various Cadillacs, among many others. It’s a simple formula, really. Big power + light weight = big fun. Read more »

READ MORE - VIDEO: R&T Takes Hennessey's Venom GT Out on the Track

SEMA Show: Hennessey's Carbon Fiber-Wrapped Hyundai Genesis Coupe with 500HP

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe appears to be gathering the attention of tuners at this year's SEMA Show. For this particular proposal, Hyundai Motor America teamed up with Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) and the firm's Tuner School. Aside from the matte black, carbon fiber-wrap, the rear-wheel drive coupe has also been upgraded with a heavily modified turbocharged engine (Hennessey didn't say which one) producing 500HP at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque, for an estimated 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds.

Other highlights include Savini lightweight alloy wheels with chrome lips and silver centers, Eibach springs and Brembo lightweight rotors. More details and the live photos of the project car will be released at the SEMA Show next week.

READ MORE - SEMA Show: Hennessey's Carbon Fiber-Wrapped Hyundai Genesis Coupe with 500HP

Hennessey VENOM GT Concept Car

Hennessey Performance Engineering has announced that their Venom GT Concept will be officially unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The car is equipped with a V8 engine which capable to produce 1200bhp. The Venom GT is expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 272 mph (440 km/h). If Hennessey is correct, the Venom GT will easily surpass the Bugatti Veyron's top speed of 254 mph (408 km/h). Should that fail to impress you, Hennessy also says the Venom GT will accelerate from 0-100 mph in 5.3 seconds, 0-150 mph in 8.9 seconds, and 0-200 mph in 14.3 seconds.

In order to achieve these insane performance figures, Hennessey strictly followed the idea of creating a lightweight supercar. The company estimates that Venom GT will weigh less than 2,400 lbs which is roughly 1,700 lbs lighter than the Veyron. The Venom GT has an aggressive appearance that should produce plenty of downforce thanks to its massive "VenomAero" rear wing. The car is fitted a pair of carbon brake rotors measuring at 6 piston calipers at the front and 4 piston caliper at the rear which help to decelerate the car in shorter time.

READ MORE - Hennessey VENOM GT Concept Car

Hennessey Z700: Track-Ready 2010 Corvette ZR1 with 705HP, 775HP or 1000HP

Eager to satisfy those who believe that too much horsepower is never enough, Hennessey Performance Engineering has introduced an uber-Corvette in the form of the 2010 ZR1-based Z700. The American tuner claims that the track-orientated Z700 is to the Corvette what the GT3 RS is to the Porsche 911 and the ACR to the Viper. To be produced in a limited run of 24 units for the 2010MY, the Z700 features an array of performance enhancements including an upgraded version of the ZR1's LS9 V8 engine.

The upgraded supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems help lift output from 638 horsepower to 705 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and peak torque to 717 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. The result is a zero to 60mph (96km/h) sprint time of just 2.9 seconds while the quarter mile is covered in 10.6 seconds at 134 mph. The standard 2010 Corvette ZR1's times are 3.4 seconds and 11.3 seconds at 131 mph respectively.

And if that ain't enough, Hennessey also offers two optional power kits that boost output to 775HP and a massive 1,000HP.

Additional mods on the Z700 include a set of lightweight carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which Hennessey says reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs, a lowered suspension and a new aero parts such as the carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler that are said to add over 300 lbs of downforce.

Inside, the tuner has upgraded the ZR1's cabin with lightweight carbon fiber seats and Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

The price for the basic Z700 including the 2010 ZR1 donor car has been set at $207,150 US or at today's exchange rates, €149,312. That's almost double the price of the factory 2010 Corvette ZR1 638HP that starts from $104,920 and four-times the cost of the basic Corvette Coupe 430HP V8 that begins from $49,515.

_________________________________________________________

HENNESSEY Z700 SPECS

Power:

• 705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
  
• 717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm
  

Performance:

• 0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• 0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
• Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
• Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

• Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
  
• Intercooler System Upgrade
  
• Air Induction System Upgrade
  
• Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
  
• Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
  
• Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
  
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires
  
• Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
  
• Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
  
• 5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
  
• Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
  
• Lowered Factory Suspension
  
• Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
  
• Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
  
• Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
  
• Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
  
• 1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
  
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
  

Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

• Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
  
• Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
  
• Custom Exterior Colors
  
• Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
  
• German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction
  

READ MORE - Hennessey Z700: Track-Ready 2010 Corvette ZR1 with 705HP, 775HP or 1000HP

Hennessey announces new plan for HPE700 Camaro

Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has announced plans for a highly modified 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that the company plans to launch early next year. As if that engine alone weren't enough, HPE has tuned the LS9 to produce 705 hp and 717 lb-ft torque. That should make for an awesome pavement pounder in the quarter-mile, or else a neat way to scorch the earth and create mushroom clouds of tire smoke.

At the heart of tuned Camaro is GM's new LS9 supercharged V8, the same engine found in the Corvette ZR1 supercar. However, in the Camaro, the force-fed mill will churn out a peak output of 705hp (526kW) and 717lb-ft (971Nm) of 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. We like it, you may not.

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 a carbon-fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon-fiber side rocker panels, a carbon-fiber front splitter, a new front fascia with hideaway-look headlights, and a front billet grille. Completing the look of the HPE700 is a ZR1 inspired hood design with a plastic window showing off the Hennessey's tweaked LS9 powerplant.

Hennessey is offering the first HPE700 Camaros exclusively to registered bidders at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, the car will eventually be available to the general public or ordered from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey. Pricing will start at $109,500.

READ MORE - Hennessey announces new plan for HPE700 Camaro

Hennessey’s 725 Hp & 190 MPH Turbocharged Dodge Challenger SRT700

It was only a matter of time before we started seeing tuning propositions for Dodge’s highly anticipated Challenger Coupe. Hennessey Performance, which is widely known for their Dodge Viper conversions, is offering a unique power kit for the Challenger SRT8 that will be available for a mere 25 clients in 2008. The standard 6.1-liter V8 gets a series of upgrades that include: enlarged displacement to 426 c.i. or 7.0-liters; custom 67 mm turbocharger with a front mounted air-to-air intercooler; stainless steel dual 3 in. exhaust system; high flow cylinder heads and an upgraded engine management system.

The result is a maximum output of 725 Hp at 5,200 rpm and 1,016Nm (750lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm compared to the standard V8’s 425 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Hennessey, the supped up Challenger SRT700 Turbo can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in approx 3.5 sec, hit the quarter mile in 11.3 sec at 126 mph or 203 km/h and reach a top speed of 190 mph or 305 km/h. Pic edited by Carscoop – Details after the jump

SRT700 Turbo - 426 CID Engine Upgrade

Power:

725 hp @ 5,200 rpm

750 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Estimated Performance:

0 - 60 mph: 3.5 sec. *

1/4 mile: 11.3 sec. @ 126 mph *

Top Speed: 190 mph
* with Drag Radial Tire Upgrade

Includes:

426 Cubic Inch Displacement Stroker Motor

9.0:1 Compression Forged Aluminum Pistons

Forged Steel Connecting Rods

426 Stroker Crankshaft

Balanced Rotating Assembly

High Flow Cylinder Heads

Polished Intake Manifold

Single 67 mm Turbocharger

Stainless Steel Turbo Y-Pipe

Single 44 mm Wastegate

Stainless Steel Dual 3 in. Exhaust System with Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips

Front Mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler

3.5 in. Polished Inlet Tube with Blow-Off Valve

Upgraded Fuel Injectors

Upgraded Engine Management System

180 degree thermostat upgrade

All necessary gaskets and fluids

Professional Installation

Chassis Dyno Testing

Road Testing (up to 100 miles)

One year limited warranty

READ MORE - Hennessey’s 725 Hp & 190 MPH Turbocharged Dodge Challenger SRT700