The aftermarket world of automobilia is nothing if not diverse and inventive offering a host of options on stock and bespoke sports cars, SUVs, and pickups so owners can put their original stamp on their cars. And in the aftermarket, one name has become synonymous with mega horsepower and ultimate performance - Sealy, Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey Performance Engineering. It is currently one of the largest tuners in the world and known for such creations as the Venom GT, Velociraptor 6X6, and 4 digit horsepower mods on Audis, Caddies, and even the humble Mustang GT.
When ex-hot rodder and tinkerer John Hennessey founded the company almost 30 years he started small and gradually grew into larger and larger projects. They now offer mods and tuning packages for just about anything on 4, or 6, wheels including, Jaguars, Corvettes, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Ford GTs, and one off specials.
They also offer a series of performance packages, go-fast parts and special editions on a range of Ford Mustangs such as the standard GT, Shelby GT350 and the all-new 2020 Shelby GT500.
Let's take a look at the Hennessey's Ford Mustang Performance packages and see what it takes to wear the famous Hennessey logo.
2018-2020 Mustang GT
Starting with the garden variety Mustang GT, Hennessey offers three states of tune. The first up is the HPE700 Upgrade Package which comes fitted with a 3.0 liter Supercharger kit and assorted components. The fuel injectors are swapped out in favor of larger units along with an HPE Engine Management Calibration, Dyno Tuning and Road Testing, and the obligatory Hennessey emblems, logos, and embroidery scattered inside and out. Hennessey claims this is good for 692 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 552 lb-ft torque at 5,500 rpm.
Next up is the HPE800 Upgrade Package which builds on the HPE700 kit adding a higher flow induction system, upgraded fuel pump, and more aggressive tune. You can also option it with Hennessey H10 Lightweight 19 or 20-inch wheels, a Brembo 15.1 in. Front Brake System Upgrade, and a full Stainless Exhaust system. Power on the HPE800 jumps to 808 bhp at 7,200 rpm.
And last up in the Mustang GT packages is the 808 HP Hennessey Heritage Edition which is identical to the HPE800 under the hood but adds a bunch of exterior and interior goodies hearkening back to 60's era SCCA prepped Mustangs. The look is at once modern and nostalgic.
2016-2020 Shelby GT350
Stepping up the ladder from the GT to the GT350, Hennessey takes the naturally aspirated 5.2 liter flat plane crank engine and turns it from a monster into flat out nuts. The HPE850 Upgrade Package uses the same 3.0 liter supercharger kit they use on the GT packages adding a High-Flow Throttle Body, High-Flow Fuel Injectors, High-Flow Heat Exchanger, High-Flow Air Induction System, and a complete Chassis Dyno Calibration and Testing.
The end result is truly impressive. Hennessey claims dyno figures of 858 bhp at 7,700 rpm and 673 lb.-ft. torque at 4,600 rpm. While the redline of the free revving "Voodoo" engine has been reduced it more than makes up for it on the bottom end with usable torque that pulls like a freight train. Hennessey clocked a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 10.8 seconds at 133 mph. That bests the stock GT350 by 2 seconds! Wow!
2020 Shelby GT500
And last up, and all-new for 2020, is the Shelby GT500. And boy, that didn't take long. Hennessey offers two states of tune for the GT500 - the Venom 1000 and 1200 packages. We'll be concerning ourselves with the Venom 1200 package. Hennessey takes the already potent "Predator" motor with 750 hp on tap, jettisons the stock supercharger, and adds a Twin Turbo system with Upgraded Intercoolers, a Fuel System Upgrade, a Stainless Steel Exhaust System and custom piping throughout, and a High-Flow Air Induction System. The Tremec designed dual-clutch transmission is also beefed up with select components to take all that extra grunt.
And finally, on the inside and out, Hennessey treats the GT500 to a set of Embroidered Headrests, Venom 1200 Exterior Badging, and a Serialized Dash & Engine Plaque noting the production number of your individual car. It also gets a complete Chassis Dyno Testing Before and After Modification, Road Testing up to 200 Miles, and a 1 year / 12,000 mile warranty. Its little brother the Venom 1000 is on the dyno above. Check it out. Buckle up.
Source: Hennessey