562 hp Hennessey HPE550 Camaro
Submitted 8/31/2009
2009 has been a difficult year for the American automakers, especially GM, who entered bankruptcy protection and recently emerged under the wing of the Federal Government. The administration is now pushing small, fuel efficient cars over the muscle cars enthusiasts would like to see. One casualty was the Z28 Camaro believed to have 570 hp. Luckily for us, Hennessey Performance Engineering has stepped in with its own bailout package, bringing us the Hennessey HPE550 Camaro!
The HPE550 is a monster, pushing out 562 hp at 6,200 rpm and 557 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm through a supercharged version of the Camaro’s 6.2 liter LS3 V8 engine. Hennessey claims that when fitted with drag radial tires, the HPE550 will reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and run the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds. Expect 0-60 times in just over 4 seconds with street tires, which is enough to beat a stock Corvette or a Porsche Cayman.
The power comes from a belt-driven roots type Magnuson supercharger delivering a constant 6 psi of boost to the V8. A cold air intake system, high flow injectors, and Corsa stainless steel cat-back exhaust system were also added. Engine management is controlled by the Hennessey engine mapping system which helps the engine sound like a raging bull at full throttle up to its 6,600 redline, yet still idle smoothly, making the Camaro easy to live with as a daily driver.
Attention was also paid to handling and ride dynamics. The Camaro is fitted with an adjustable coil-over suspension built by Australian company, Pedders. Pedders is no rookie in the suspension game, and has been in the shock industry since the 1950s. Ride height is lowered by 35 mm in the front and 25 mm in the rear, giving the HPE550 a notably more aggressive stance. Wheels and tires were replaced by 9.5 inch HPE alloy wheels in the front and 11 inch in the back. These lightweight wheels are fitted with massive tires, 315 mm in the back and 275 mm in the front, increasing skidpad and g-force figures for the Hennessey Camaro. Lastly, Hennessey has added its tasteful graphics package to the HPE550, so it isn’t exactly a sleeper, but it’ll let lesser rivals know what they’re up against.
The full Hennessey HPE550 package can be purchased directly from Hennessey or through an authorized Chevrolet dealer for $59,950 over the price of the stock V8 Camaro. Pricing includes a warranty, a numbered plaque for the limited edition run, and a half day driving experience at Lonestar Motorsports Park in Texas. For the majority of us with smaller bankrolls, Hennessey will sell you the powertrain upgrade kit for $18,950 or $24,950 installed. While this is still roughly the price of a new car, you may also choose to buy the upgrade parts individually and upgrade your Camaro piece-by-piece as finances permit. Photos courtesy of Hennessey Performance Engineering.
