Legendary US tuner Hennessey Performance has revealed what it claims is the world’s first twin-turbo C8 Chevrolet Corvette.
The Texas-based engineering outfit released a YouTube video of the force-fed HPE1200 (for Hennessey Performance Engineering 1200hp) in its workshop over the weekend and it sounds like no other C8 Corvette.
Shown thundering into life and then whining and crackling as it’s revved, the biturbo Hennessey C8 is different to the 370kW/640Nm 6.2-litre V8-powered Corvette that’s expected on sale in Z51 form Down Under from early 2021.
Hennessey already offers a number of upgrades for C7 and C8 Corvettes, among other models, but this time it has bolted on two turbochargers to the mid-engined C8’s already potent LT2 V8.
That gives it the same configuration as the upcoming Corvette ZR1, which will reportedly pack an advanced twin-turbo DOHC V8 hybrid powertrain developing a big 900hp (671kW).
Hennessey says the 1200hp (895kW) output was achieved via twin turbochargers, beefed-up internals including forged aluminium pistons and forged steel con-rods, a 10.0:1 compression ratio, ECU tuning and an upgraded eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It says the twin-turbo C8 can still accommodate two golf bags in its luggage space and that a 700hp (515kW) supercharger kit is also in the works for the C8 if you’re not a turbo fan.
“World’s first twin-turbo V8 Corvette built by the best people in the business,” said Hennessey on its Facebook page, adding on its YouTube channel: “Listen to the V8 symphony that is the LT2 with a couple of snails attached. Stay tuned as we progress more with the C8 Corvette!”
Given the C8 Corvette Z51 is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) in just 2.9sec, we assume the Hennessey C8 will be properly quick – if it can get its circa-900kW to the ground.