2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

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.

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

PRESS RELEASE

Hennessey Throws Hat in the "Ring"

Announces Limited Edition 705 hp Z700
Nurburgring-Tested Track Upgrade for the 2010 Corvette ZR1


SEALY, TX – The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "Too much horsepower is never enough" Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company's 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 ZR1.

Porsche 911 owners wanting the ubber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey's Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey's Z-Aero ™ carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat in the Ring – literally – and plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 copies of this limited edition Corvette ZR1 for the 2010 model year. Each buyer gets 1-day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey's own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is located next to the company's facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full ¼ mile dragstrip as well as a 1.1-mile road course, which will soon be under construction.


2010 Hennessey Z700 - Corvette ZR1 Specifications

Power:

• 705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
• 717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:

• 0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• 0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
• ¼ mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
• Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G

Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

• Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
• Intercooler System Upgrade
• Air Induction System Upgrade
• Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
• Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
• Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
• Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
• Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
• 5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
• Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
• Lowered Factory Suspension
• Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
• Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
• Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
• Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
• 1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

• Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
• Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
• Custom Exterior Colors
• Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
• German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction