Hennessey C8 Corvette: 1,200 Horsepower and a Custom Aero Package

Hennessey Corvette features a twin-turbo LT2 and the LeMans look in carbon fiber.

The C8 Chevrolet Corvette has taken the automotive world by storm. The mid-engine architecture that had been discussed for years has finally arrived and the newest Stingray is a high-performance masterpiece. There are rumors that the ZR1 version of the C8 could feature a twin-turbo system mated with hybrid technology to yield upwards of 900 horsepower, but it could be a couple of years before we see that car in showrooms.

Fortunately, the folks at Hennessey Performance already have a plan for C8 Corvette owners who need more than the standard 490 horsepower. Similar to past generations, Hennessey will offer a variety of performance packages for the new Corvette, the most powerful of which will offer around 1,200 horsepower. When paired with Hennessey’s carbon fiber aero package, the Hennessey C8 Stingray features the look of a LeMans car with more than double the power.

Hennesey C8 Corvette with 1,200 Horsepower

The Hennessey Performance website does not yet list all (or any) of the packages for the C8 Corvette, but there is some critical information. Most notably, the Texas-based tuning company plans to offer a twin-turbo package that will yield 1,200 horsepower. That package will include a fully-built LT2 engine with forged aluminum pistons and forged steel connecting rods. The strengthened rotating assembly and the 10-to-1 compression ratio allows the LT2 to stand up to the boost pressure needed to make that big power. Hennessey also beefs-up the standard dual-clutch transmission to handle the added abuse of the extra power.

Details are limited, but we would expect other supporting mods with this package. That includes an elaborate intercooler system, an upgraded fuel system, and a custom exhaust setup. We would also expect that the built LT2 will have a custom camshaft and worked cylinder heads. We won’t know for sure until the company releases more details.

In addition to the 1,200-horsepower, twin-turbo package, we expect that Hennessey will offer some lesser packages. We expect to see a package that focuses on tuning the factory parts. We also expect at least one supercharger package that doesn’t require a complete engine build. The milder Hennessey packages with forced induction should be in the 700 to 800 horsepower range.

CarbonAero Body and More

In addition to engine upgrade packages, Hennessey Performance will offer a CarbonAero body package, which includes a carbon fiber front splitter, a custom air dam, and a large rear wing. There is also a roof-mounted scoop to feed the boosted V8. The end result is a C8 looks like it is ready to compete in a LeMans production-based class.

Finally, C8 Stingray owners who want even greater performance will be able to select a custom Brembo brake package and an adjustable suspension setup from Penske Racing. When you put together this whole package, you will have a street-legal C8 Corvette that will likely compete with Ford’s track-only GT MkII.

Since the information is limited, it should come as little surprise that there is no pricing available at this time. We can expect that it will expensive, but Hennessey has the most elaborate performance upgrades available for the C8.

.