Hennessey Building ZR1-Powered Camaro Convertible

As we get closer to the eventual unveiling of the official 2011 Camaro Convertible, we expect plenty of aftermarket companies to start offering up their own take on the long-awaited droptop. The LA Auto Show is still almost two months away, and that is when the Camaro Convertible makes its world debut. GM just released new pictures of the topless Camaro, though, and that may have opened the floodgates.

Yesterday was the Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro Convertible, which was all show. Today, it is Hennessey’s turn, and you better believe it is all go. They are making a 755 horsepower LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

Essentially, this is the HPE700 Camaro 2.0, which in this case means 30 extra horsepower and a droptop. Like the original HPE700 Coupe, the HPE700 Camaro Convertible will be limited to just 24 examples. It uses the same engine as the ZR1 Corvette, and the 6.2 liter V8 engine makes 638 horsepower in stock trim. A supercharger pulley upgrade, better intake and exhaust, and a tweak to the ECU from some of the best tuners in the business boost the horsepower to 755 ponies. The HPE700 Coupe had just 725, though the extra horsepower will also be hauling a heavier load.

The $132,000 the HPE700 Camaro Convertible costs doesn’t just get you an upgraded engine though. The front Brembo brakes get 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes make due with 4 pistons. 20-inch wheels and the CarbonAero body kit enhance the exterior, and as you might expect the clutch and flywheel have been upgraded as well. Rear sway bars, a coil-over suspension, and an upgraded interior round out this impressive car. And remember, just 24 will be made, making it about as limited edition as cars get.

Official Press Release

LS9-Powered Camaro Goes Topless

New 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Gets Convertible Option and 755 Horsepower

SEALY, TEXAS – With the limited production run of Hennessey’s 2010 HPE700 Camaro long since sold-out, the company has announced they will build another 24 units for the 2011 model year. This latest run of HPE700’s will include the addition of the new convertible model (from Chevrolet) and an increase in power from its supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 – the same engine found in the Corvette ZR1.

The 2011 HPE700 gets its additional power from revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system, delivering 755 bhp and 763 lb-ft of torque. This 30 horsepower increase over 2010 will also help move the convertible’s extra weight, while the large 15 inch brakes from last year remain to bring it back to a stop quickly.

As the Camaro convertible arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2011, the 6-speed manual SS model will become available alongside its hardtop brethren to become the basis for the HPE700 LS9 Camaro transformation.

HPE founder and president, John Hennessey said, “We have already sold a several of our 2011 HPE700’s in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the convertible LS9 Camaro to become an even rarer option than before”. “I expect that we will sell all 24 units just as we did in 2010. However this time we will probably sell-out even sooner as the convertible option will certainly be attractive – especially with 755 horsepower”.

In addition to the upgraded LS9 engine, the HPE700 also includes an adjustable coilover suspension, larger sway bars, HPE lightweight wheels, larger 15-inch brakes with 6-piston front calipers, stainless steel long tube headers, painted hockey stripe, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, CarbonAero™ carbon fiber body kit and more to complete the car’s distinct look and performance characteristics.

As with the 2010 model year, the 2011 HPE700 LS9 Camaro will be limited to just 24 units, with no set allocation between coupe and convertible. Pricing for the complete HPE700 upgrade, including the base vehicle, is $132,500 and can be ordered directly through HPE or one of Hennessey’s authorized Chevrolet dealers.

2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Specifications

Power:

• 755 bhp @ 6,400 rpm

• 763 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance (Hardtop):

• 0 – 60 mph: 3.3 sec. *

• 1/4 mile: 10.9 @ 130 mph *

• Skidpad: 1.01 g

• 60 – 0 mph braking: 104 ft.

Note: * with optional 305/35-20 Nitto Drag Radial Tires

2011 HPE700 Camaro Includes:

• Base 2011 Camaro SS with 6-speed Manual Transmission (convertible or hardtop)

• LS9 6.2 Liter Supercharged Engine with Intercooler

• HPE Cold Air Induction System

• Supercharger Pulley Upgrade

• High-Flow Fuel Injectors

• Fuel System Upgrade

• Intercooler System Upgrade

• CarbonAero ™ Bodywork: Front Spoiler, Rear Bumper Diffuser & Side Rocker Panels

• Long Tube Stainless Steel Headers

• HPE Extreme Duty Clutch & Flywheel Upgrade

• HPE Race Shift Knob and Shifter Upgrade

• HPE Light Weight Alloy Wheels

• 20 x 10.5 inch (rear); 20 x 9.5 inch (front)

• Pirelli P-Zero Tires, 275/35-YR20 (front); 305/35-YR20 (rear)

• Brembo Front Brake Upgrade: 6-Piston Calipers with Light Weight 15 inch Cross-Drilled Rotors

• Brembo Rear Brake Upgrade: 4-Piston Calipers with 14 inch Light Weight Rotors

• KW / HPE Variant 3 Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension Upgrade

• KW / HPE Front & Rear Sway Bar Upgrades

• Painted Hockey Stick Side Stripe with LS9 logo

• Hennessey Embroidered Head Rests & Floor Mats

• Limited Edition HPE700 Dash Plaque & Hood Plaque

• HPE700 & Hennessey Logos Painted on Rear Deck Lid

• Hennessey Letter of Authenticity

• HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports

Park – a 1/4 mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey’s 30,000 square foot production

facility and showroom.

About the author

Chris Demorro

Christopher DeMorro is a freelance writer and journalist from Connecticut with two passions in life; writing and anything with an engine.
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