Hennessey opens up the LS9-powered Camaro

Hennessey Performance is introducing a convertible version of its limited-edition 2011 HPE700 Camaro.

The tuning company will produce just 24 copies of the 2011 HPE700 Camaro, but it hasn't revealed how many will be hardtops or convertibles.

“We have already sold several of our 2011 HPE700s in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the convertible LS9 Camaro to become an even rarer option than before,” said John Hennessey, president of Hennessey Performance. “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 hp.”

The HPE700 Camaro is powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 V8, the same engine that's in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It creates 755 hp, a 30-hp increase over the 2010 HPE700 Camaro, and 763 lb-ft of torque. This allows the HPE700 Camaro to run from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and do the quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds at 130 mph, according to Hennessey.

The 2011 HPE700 Camaro will also come equipped with an adjustable coil-over suspension, 15-inch brakes and a carbon-fiber body kit. Hennessey will sell the complete HPE700 upgrade for $132,000, which includes the cost of a Camaro SS.

By Brad Constant