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

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]
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HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL TRANSFORMS HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE INTO 500-HORSEPOWER BEAST FOR SEMA

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 29, 2009 – Demonstrating the wide range of aftermarket potential for the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Motor America has partnered with Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) and the Tuner School to develop a powerful entry for this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The matte black, carbon fiber-wrapped Hennessey Genesis Carbon Coupe is designed with a high-end European look and performance capabilities to match. The vehicle will be in Hyundai's display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth # 24387).

Founded by HPE president John Hennessey, Tuner School is a 14-week program dedicated to teaching its students the secrets to success in the high-performance automotive aftermarket. It was established as a way to offer its students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals in the field, and springboard their career in the aftermarket industry.

"The Genesis Coupe architecture is the ideal platform for tuners looking to make everyday modifications to their vehicles and our students at the Tuner School took full advantage," said Hennessey. "The visually stunning complete carbon fiber matte black wrap and high-end performance benchmarks create a monster SEMA car."

HPE and the Tuner School will blow away the SEMA crowd with its Genesis Coupe achieving 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft of torque, an estimated 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds. These aggressive performance capabilities were accomplished through a variety of engine modifications. The Genesis Carbon Coupe features a Hennessey Custom Single Turbo System, Precision 66 mm ball bearing turbocharger, Tial blow-off valve and 44 mm wastegate, a HKS boost controller and upgraded injectors and fuel pump, among other additions.

"To work with a leading tuner such as John Hennessey and his Tuner School is a testament to the potential of our rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe," said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With its 500 horsepower and 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds we expect this vehicle to be one of the stars of SEMA."

On the outside, SEMA Show attendees will find Savini lightweight wheels with chrome lips and silver centers, Eibach springs and Brembo lightweight rotors.