The C8 Corvette has only just hit showrooms, but Hennessey Performance already has big plans…
It should come as no surprise, but Texas-based tuner Hennessey Performance has been eyeing the all-new mid-engined C8 Corvette for upgrades since the car’s inception. Following the announcement of the project late in 2019, the first video has emerged of the turbocharged Corvette testing.
Deliveries for the all-new, mid-engined C8 Corvette have only just begun, but this is no obstacle for Hennessey Performance, with it already having devised plans to pump the model up to hypercar-beating numbers. The current C8 lineup consist only of one model, with a 6.2-litre NA V8 producing 495bhp and 470lb ft of torque for a sub-3sec 0-96kph time. Still, Hennessey is not impressed.
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Having sourced an early car, the tuner has already managed to shoehorn a pair of turbochargers behind its rear bumper and testing is well underway. Though currently restricted to the limits of the factory ECU, initial dyno runs on 5psi of boost recorded an increase of 177bhp and 119lb ft of torque over standard, for a total output of 643bhp and 570lb ft of torque.
Future plans are to reach a staggering 1200bhp, however, with the reinforcement of the LT2 powerplant and factory dual-clutch gearbox. The HPE1200 Twin Turbo C8 Corvette is set to feature a host of forged components to aid the longevity of the engine, including new aluminium pistons, steel connecting rods and more.
For those that don’t feel the need for twice the power of a McLaren 600LT, Hennessey is also planning to offer a supercharger kit once tuners crack the ECU, turning the new Corvette to a comparatively-sensible 700bhp. Estimated performance figures haven’t been provided, but should the power not be turned solely to tyre smoke, it’s safe to say the fettled C8s will be rather brisk.
Aside from modifications to the powertrain, a handful of new carbonfibre components will be added to the exterior for more aggression, including a front splitter and a new rear wing. Hennessey will also add uprated Brembo brakes, adjustable Penske suspension and a new wheel and tyre setup.
Company founder, John Hennessey, said: ‘We expect the new C8 Corvette to be an excellent platform from which our clients can further personalize their cars. Over the past several months we have had hundreds of inquiries from C8 buyers wanting to know what we will be offering for the new Corvette. The customers are telling us what they want and big surprise – they want more power!’
Pricing for the power upgrade kits are yet to be revealed, but the first tuned car is set to roll out of Hennessey’s doors in 2020.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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