Autoblog

Hennessey preparing updated Venom GT2 with 1,500 HP [UPDATE]

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:54:00 EST

Hennessey Performance - that purveyor of things silly-powerful - has announced a sequel to its bonkers Lotus-based Venom GT, the appropriately sequential Venom GT2. While the performance company isn't quite ready to release full technical details about the new car, it has supplied us with a few of the vitals, as well as a gallery's worth of first-look eye-candy.

The GT2 seeks to trump the horsepower output of the Venom GT in a major way, upping the total pony count to 1,500 versus the older car's paltry 1,200 hp. That heroic output is produced by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, and is attainable running plebian E85 pump gas - like a boss. The 1,500-hp figure is significant, too, as it represents one horsepower for each kilogram of weight the car carries.

Other additions for the Venom GT2 include an available seven-speed "paddle shift transmission" of unknown origin, a bump in headroom thanks to the double-bubble roof and aero improvements that drop the CofD from 0.44 to 0.42.

Look for this unmitigated beast of a hypercar to make its official debut late in 2013.

UPDATE: This just in from John Hennessey regarding the 2014 Venom GT2. We're told that the car will carry a sticker price of $1.25 million to start, and that the optional seven-speed paddle-shift transmission will be a $165,000 option. Further, Hennessey will continue to sell both the Venom GT and the Venom GT2 - the new car is not a replacement for the older, in other words.

Hennessey preparing updated Venom GT2 with 1,500 HP [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Venom GT Spyder pops in at Cars & Coffee

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, MISC

Our own lensman Drew Phillips caught sight of this at Cars & Coffee in Irvine, California: the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder. This is the first time it's been seen on our shores. The targa version of the Venom GT packs the same 1,200 horsepower as the coupe - which also debuted at C&C, one year ago - but adds $150,000 to the price.That means you'll need $1.1 million for that wind-in-your-very-rich-hair feeling.

We still don't have exact specs on the car beyond a very limited build and its "enhanced driving sensations," but the high-res gallery of photos above should fill in enough blanks for now.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder pops in at Cars & Coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey announces 2013 Venom GT Spyder

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:27:00 EST

There's gilding the lily, and then there is this: An open-air version of Hennessey's 1,200-horsepower Venom GT supercar.

The Venom GT Spyder turns up the wick on its hardtop sibling to the tune of an additional $150,000, with a base price starting at $1.1 million. That's a pretty steep charge for a removable roof panel, although Hennessey Performance Engineering CEO Don Goldman says Venom GT Spyder buyers will also get "an even greater driving sensation." While we have yet to see official specifications or an order sheet for the Spyder, we imagine seeing "Extra wind and sound from the twin-turbo V8" listed under standard equipment. Regardless, we know which one we'd take the keys to if given the opportunity: This Vitamin D special.

Hennessey says it has already received orders for two of the five Venom GT's it will build for the 2013 model year. So if you're in the market for one of the remaining three cars, now you have a choice. Click past the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Hennessey announces 2013 Venom GT Spyder

Hennessey announces 2013 Venom GT Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey announces 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

What do John Entwistle, Rutherford B. Hayes, Hugh Jackman and Hennessey Performance Engineering all have in common? Very little, we imagine, outside of celebrating October birthdays.

HPE is turning 20 this month, giving the Texas-based tuner the perfect excuse to build a celebratory Camaro. The company blog tells us the 20th Anniversary Edition HPE650 Camaro will be limited to 20 black over black examples, and yes, that "650" in the model name is an indication of horsepower. The lofty number is achieved by fitting a supercharger, new heads, a new cam, headers, and intake and exhaust upgrades. HPE says their mods are good for 655 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, which is enough to push the Camaro to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Other upgrades include custom wheels, front splitter and side skirts, embroidered headrests, and a coilover suspension system. Of course, floor mats and the obligatory numbered dash plaque are yours as well, so long as you're willing to pay the $79,500 asking price for a coupe, or $84,500 for a convertible.

Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading Hennessey announces 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Hennessey announces 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How powerful is the Hennessey Venom GT? Just you watch

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Specialty

It's easy to talk endlessly about unbelievably powerful cars, almost to the point that numbers become meaningless. In an effort to crystallize what 1,200 horses in a 2,685-pound car can do in the real world, we present a new video of the 2012 Hennessey Venom GT.

In the time it takes your wheezy Civic to go from 65 to 75 mph, the Venom GT has sprinted from 70 mph to a staggering 215 and is on its cool-down run. If you were to push hard enough with enough road, Hennessey says the Venom GT wouldn't stop until it hit 275 mph. Click past the jump to see the what the instrument cluster in the Venom looks like when you drop the hammer at 70 mph.

Continue reading How powerful is the Hennessey Venom GT? Just you watch

How powerful is the Hennessey Venom GT? Just you watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Specialty

Hennessey Venom GT clears its throat - Click above to watch the video after the break

It may look like a steroid-fueled Lotus Elise that's had a few too many trips to the gym - and we truly mean that in the very best way possible - but this latest video proves there's no mistaking the fact that it ain't powered by no wimpy four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota.

Yes, of course we already knew that the Hennessey Venom GT is powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 V8 as used in the Corvette ZR1 in one of three force-fed configurations: the base supercharged mill with 725 horsepower and 741 pound-feet of torque and a pair of twin turbocharged beasts that put out 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp. (See a dyno video here.)

But upon hearing this sucker start up and clear its pipes, even the mighty ZR1 cowers in the corner with its supercharged tail tucked firmly between its legs. It's a modern-day Shelby Cobra, complete with its British-sourced chassis and big, burly American V8 power. We can hardly wait to see the Venom GT with our own eyes next week at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Check out the 360-degree walkaround video after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey runs its "Coupe DeThrill" down the quarter-mile

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:15:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Cadillac

2011 Hennessey V700 Coupe on the dragstrip - Click above to watch video after the jump

We think the 304 horsepower Cadillac CTS Coupe is pretty cool and the 556 hp CTS-V Coupe is an outright badass. The power pundits at Hennessey think any car or truck could use a little more oomph than it leaves the factory with. John Hennessey's crew has massaged the blown LSA motor under the two-door Caddy's bulging hood and the results scream for themselves. The 2011 Hennessey V700 Coupe pushes out 700 hp to the rear wheels and makes nearly 740 pound-feet of torque.

How does that all that power do when the car is launched down the dragstrip? The trip from tree to finish takes just over 11 seconds. Hop the jump to see the action for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Photos by Steven J. Ewing and Chris Shunk / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey runs its "Coupe DeThrill" down the quarter-mile

Video: Hennessey runs its "Coupe DeThrill" down the quarter-mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's Embargopalooza tonight at Autoblog, and if there wasn't already enough high-powered hotness to be had, we're throwing one more V8-powered sled into the mix.

We've traveled a long road to get here, but the Hennessey Venom GT has finally arrived after countless reports, spy shots, videos and announcements. If you're suffering from Hennessey fatigue, stop right here. You know most of the story already and have surely weighed-in with your opinion. But if a chopped and lengthened Lotus Elise powered by the Corvette ZR1's supercharged eight piques your interest - and you're looking for a glimpse into the man behind the madness - make the jump for a new take on an age-old equation.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

Continue reading Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century

Hennessey Venom GT: A $600k mid-engine Cobra for the 21st Century originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Hennessey V700 is crazy, fast [w/video]

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Cadillac

2010 Hennessey V700 - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are two kinds of people in the world. The first kind drives Cadillac's supercharged CTS-V, experiences the thrill of 556 horsepower paired with 551 pound-feet of torque and declares, "This thing is a monster. This is the fastest, most incredible American performance sedan ever made." Then you have the other type of person, the kind that takes the 4,300-pound CTS-V to 60 miles per hour in just over four seconds, runs the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph and says, "Meh." Should you fall into that second category, John Hennessey has got a car for you.

John's calling it the Hennessey V700 and, as you might have ascertained, it's a Cadillac CTS-V pumped up on the best auto-steroids available in the Houston area. One crank of the fake key and your ears quickly explain that the gnashing, metal-on-metal-on-lava sounds leaking out from beneath the floor pan don't come from some run-of-the-mill super-Cadillac. No, something special is going on under that thar tortured hood. Viciously special. Follow the jump to find out exactly what.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hennessey V700

Continue reading Quick Spin: Hennessey V700 is crazy, fast [w/video]

Quick Spin: Hennessey V700 is crazy, fast [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hennessey HP700 Camaro to make official debut at SEMA

Drew Phillips — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen the pictures. We've seen the videos. Now we're finally going to see the Hennessey HPE700 Camaro in person when it makes its official debut at SEMA next week. There's a lot to love with Hennessey's halo musclecar, starting with the LS9 V8 from the ZR1 packing 725 horsepower and 741 lb.-ft. torque (up from the initial figures, 705 and 717 respectively). Those numbers are good for a 0-60 time of just 3.5 seconds, and the trip back to a complete stop takes just 104 feet thanks to 15-inch Brembo brakes. Then there's the subtle Cam-Aero carbon fiber body kit that adds a front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper, and a diffuser, with the look is finished off with a set of Hennessey's three-piece, 20-inch wheels.

Expect plenty of photographs and our first person impressions when we come face to face with the HPE700 Camaro next week. Until then, check out the new high-res photos in the gallery below or read the official press release and the full specs list after the jump.

Gallery: Hennessey Camaro HPE700

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading 2010 Hennessey HP700 Camaro to make official debut at SEMA

2010 Hennessey HP700 Camaro to make official debut at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Hennessey preps a 500-hp carbon look Genesis Coupe

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Hyundai

Hennessey Hyundai Genesis Carbon Coupe - Click above for high-res image

John Hennessey is no stranger to extracting power from already quick cars and giving them a unique appearance. More recently, Hennessey has launched a Tuner School to teach others his craft and help keep the SEMA show floor populated with fresh creations.

The 14-week program teaches students about engine building, turbo/supercharging and testing, and for next week's SEMA show in Las Vegas, Hennessey had his students participate in the creation of a matte black Genesis Coupe wrapped in what appears to be carbon fiber.

However, the really good stuff is under the skin where Hennessey and his team of youngins boosted the Genesis' stock motor to 500 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to a single 66mm turbo, fuel system with higher flow injectors and a host of other upgrades. The car is claimed to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and passed the quarter mile traps in 12.5 seconds. Expect more info from the show floor next week, but in the meantime, make the jump for the official details.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Hennessey preps a 500-hp carbon look Genesis Coupe

SEMA 2009: Hennessey preps a 500-hp carbon look Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar

Drew Phillips — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Design/Style

Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, CA we happened to run into a Mr. John Hennessey admiring the same Lamborghini LP670-4 SV we were drooling over. With the Venom GT set to debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, we asked how the project was going. He promptly produced an iPhone and gave us a sneak preview of dozens of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) renderings. At the time, we had no way to show you the photos, but John was kind enough to send a few our way.

As you can see by the renderings, the Venom GT features an adjustable rear wing that also acts as an air brake. We were informed that the Venom GT should be capable of 1.5 negative g's under braking, and that with the carbon ceramic brakes it will be able to stop from 200 mph in seven seconds flat.

We also learned the Venom GT is actually based on a stretched Lotus Exige chassis, making sense of the visual similarities between the two cars. Hennessey told us that he wanted to keep the car as light as possible, and the Exige was the best platform available to help him achieve that goal. The switch from the Viper V10 to the LS9 V8 was done for the same reason, and John liked the idea of an American V8 in an English car -- the same formula that was so successful for Carroll Shelby back in the 1960s. Expect more details to be revealed in the run-up to the Venom's Geneva unveiling, but until then, check out the high-res gallery of CFD renderings below.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT CFD renderings

Exclusive: Hennessey shows off CFD drawings of Venom GT supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Venom GT to debut at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

Drew Phillips — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been two long years since John Hennessey announced plans to build his very own supercar, and we were beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. Apparently, Hennessey's plans are still a go as the Texas tuner just announced through its newsletter that the Venom GT will make its official public debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Since the initial press release, Hennessey has made a few changes to the car's proposed specs. Listed curb weight has dropped from 2700 to 2400 lbs and the engine is now a "Hennessey V8" rather than a twin-turbo Viper V10. Power rating is "up to 1,200 bhp" rather than the initially stated 1,000 and top speed has been listed as 272 mph. No matter what the final specifications, it sounds like the Venom GT will be sure to impress.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Hennessey Venom GT to debut at 2010 Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

John Neff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Chevrolet

2010 Hennessey Z700 - Click above for high-res images

Hennessey Performance Engineering makes the point that track-oriented Porsche owners can opt up from a normal 911 to a GT3 RS and Viper owners can choose the ACR edition, so what's out there for ZR1 owners who want a more hardcore machine? To answer that question, HPE has introduced the Z700 for 2010.

The exclusive new model features a number of enhancements that go beyond the requisite power increase, which in this case jumps from 638 to 705 dyno-tuned hp. HPE has also put the ZR1 on a diet, shedding pounds by adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michilin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone scrub off 60 lbs. of rotating weight. Aero enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, all of which add 300 lbs. of downforce. Finally, an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob should feel better in the hand when barnstorming the track.

Hennessey plans to prove that the Z700 is a big improvement over the ZR1 by taking direct aim at the standard car's Nürburgring lap time of 7:26. They'll be flying to Germany with a Z700 later this year to take their best shot, but considering that HPE is perhaps the only only tuning company with its very own on-site track, Lonestar Motorsports Park, we expect good results.

Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1. That's nearly a six-figure increase over the base price of a ZR1, so we'll have to wait until it sets some lap times to see if it's worth it.

Gallery: Hennessey Z700

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading 2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey HPE700: bastard love child of Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:11:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, Specialty

Click above to enlarge the Henessey HPE700 Camaro

Following in the footsteps of such legendary Camaro tuners as Yenko Chevrolet, Hennessey Performance Engineering has unveiled the HPE700, which mates a standard 2010 Camaro SS with the supercharged LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1. 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.

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.

The HPE700 is a lot of car, and to help drivers reign it in, a 1-day performance driving course is included in the asking price of $109,500. The first orders will be accepted next week to registered bidders at the Barret-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ with regular orders being taken the following week. See the rest of Hennessey's official details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading Hennessey HPE700: bastard love child of Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1

Hennessey HPE700: bastard love child of Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Venom 650R upgrade gives Dodge Viper 678 horses

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Dodge

Click image for hi-res gallery

This is the part we love. It's when the OEMs and tuners start throwing haymakers at each other by releasing cars capable of bending the space/time continuum, so gaudy are their horsepower and performance numbers. The flurry comes in advance of the Corvette ZR1, which is poised to blow everyone away with what are certain to be obscene performance capabilities. The Nissan GT-R is now on record with a 3.3-second 0-60 time, a quarter mile in the elevens, and the handling capabilities its AWD system brings to the table. Dodge's '08 Viper puts out some impressive numbers to begin with, and now, ahead of the super-duper Vette's arrival, Hennessey has announced the 650R upgrade for all of Dodge's 2008 snakes - coupe, 'vert and ACR. The kit, which includes new headers, a 3-inch exhaust, performance cats, a K&N filter, and a brake upgrade, boosts power from the stock 600 hp to 678. At the dragstrip, the added juice translates into a 0-60 of 3.3 seconds (same as the stock GT-R), and a quarter mile time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph. Swap out the street tires for drag radials, and the quarter drops to 10.7 seconds at 132 mph. Top speed for the coupe is estimated to be 211 mph. So, how will the Corvette ZR1 stack up against the newest batch of street monsters? We don't know yet, but let's just say that you might want to click back here one last time tonight before you start counting sheep, capisce?

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Gallery: Hennessey 650R Upgrade for 2008 Dodge Viper

Continue reading Hennessey Venom 650R upgrade gives Dodge Viper 678 horses

Hennessey Venom 650R upgrade gives Dodge Viper 678 horses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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