Hennessey Announces 755-HP HPE700 Camaro Convertible

After Hennessey’s huge success with the 2010 HPE700 Chevy Camaro, we’re guessing they were a little regretful of only releasing 24 limited edition vehicles. So as any wise business would do, they’re going to do another limited edition release of the HPE700 Camaro, just this time in convertible form. And yes, only 24 of them will be available again… at least for 2011.

Gobs and gobs of power, 755 ponies worth with 763 ft-lbs of torque, is brought to the rear wheels thanks to an LS9 powerplant from the Camaro’s bigger brother, the Corvette ZR1. But it’s not your standard, boring LS9 powerplant, especially since Hennessey got their hands dirty with it. The 6.2L V8 motor is now boasts a lot more boost along with the fuel to keep that air/fuel ratio optimal.

The HPE700 Camaro hardtop hit 0-60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds with a quarter mile pass of 10.9 @ 130 mph on Nitto drag radials. Our assumption is that the convertible won’t be too far off the mark.

Backing up all the extra horsepower is a set of 15-inch brakes with 6-piston front calipers. Handling is enhanced with a set of coilovers and larger sway bars. Each corner sports a lightweight HPE wheel that actually fits the stylish convertible quite well.

And for minor details, there are carbon fiber trim pieces on the exterior while the interior sports Hennessey logos on the head rests and floor mats. For the driver, an HPE race shift knob and upgraded shifter gives the car a sportier driving feel, while an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel gives it a tad bit of luxury.

Pricing is set at an extreme $132,500 but includes the vehicle (of course) and a day of fun at Lonestar Motorsports Park, next door to Hennessey’s facilities. Now considering what all you can buy for $132,500, we find the pricing a little steep. But for the die-hard Camaro fan out there that wants something limited, we guess it’s an option.

Press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible

PRESS RELEASE

LS9-Powered Camaro Goes Topless

New 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Gets Convertible Option and 755 Horsepower

SEALY, TEXAS – With the limited production run of Hennessey’s 2010 HPE700 Camaro long since sold-out, the company has announced they will build another 24 units for the 2011 model year. This latest run of HPE700’s will include the addition of the new convertible model (from Chevrolet) and an increase in power from its supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 – the same engine found in the Corvette ZR1.

The 2011 HPE700 gets its additional power from revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system, delivering 755 bhp and 763 lb-ft of torque. This 30 horsepower increase over 2010 will also help move the convertible’s extra weight, while the large 15 inch brakes from last year remain to bring it back to a stop quickly.

As the Camaro convertible arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2011, the 6-speed manual SS model will become available alongside its hardtop brethren to become the basis for the HPE700 LS9 Camaro transformation.

HPE founder and president, John Hennessey said, “We have already sold a several of our 2011 HPE700’s in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the convertible LS9 Camaro to become an even rarer option than before”. “I expect that we will sell all 24 units just as we did in 2010. However this time we will probably sell-out even sooner as the convertible option will certainly be attractive – especially with 755 horsepower”.

In addition to the upgraded LS9 engine, the HPE700 also includes an adjustable coilover suspension, larger sway bars, HPE lightweight wheels, larger 15-inch brakes with 6-piston front calipers, stainless steel long tube headers, painted hockey stripe, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, CarbonAero™ carbon fiber body kit and more to complete the car’s distinct look and performance characteristics.

As with the 2010 model year, the 2011 HPE700 LS9 Camaro will be limited to just 24 units, with no set allocation between coupe and convertible. Pricing for the complete HPE700 upgrade, including the base vehicle, is $132,500 and can be ordered directly through HPE or one of Hennessey’s authorized Chevrolet dealers.

2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Specifications

Power:
• 755 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
• 763 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance (Hardtop):
• 0 – 60 mph: 3.3 sec. *
• 1/4 mile: 10.9 @ 130 mph *
• Skidpad: 1.01 g
• 60 – 0 mph braking: 104 ft.
Note: * with optional 305/35-20 Nitto Drag Radial Tires

2011 HPE700 Camaro Includes:
• Base 2011 Camaro SS with 6-speed Manual Transmission (convertible or hardtop)
• LS9 6.2 Liter Supercharged Engine with Intercooler
• HPE Cold Air Induction System
• Supercharger Pulley Upgrade
• High-Flow Fuel Injectors
• Fuel System Upgrade
• Intercooler System Upgrade
• CarbonAero ™ Bodywork: Front Spoiler, Rear Bumper Diffuser & Side Rocker Panels
• Long Tube Stainless Steel Headers
• HPE Extreme Duty Clutch & Flywheel Upgrade
• HPE Race Shift Knob and Shifter Upgrade
• HPE Light Weight Alloy Wheels
• 20 x 10.5 inch (rear); 20 x 9.5 inch (front)
• Pirelli P-Zero Tires, 275/35-YR20 (front); 305/35-YR20 (rear)
• Brembo Front Brake Upgrade: 6-Piston Calipers with Light Weight 15 inch Cross-Drilled Rotors
• Brembo Rear Brake Upgrade: 4-Piston Calipers with 14 inch Light Weight Rotors
• KW / HPE Variant 3 Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension Upgrade
• KW / HPE Front & Rear Sway Bar Upgrades
• Painted Hockey Stick Side Stripe with LS9 logo
• Hennessey Embroidered Head Rests & Floor Mats
• Limited Edition HPE700 Dash Plaque & Hood Plaque
• HPE700 & Hennessey Logos Painted on Rear Deck Lid
• Hennessey Letter of Authenticity
• HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports
Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey’s 30,000 square foot production
facility and showroom.