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.