Hennessey Planning 800-Plus-HP McLaren MP4-12C HPE800 Twin Turbo

McLaren's 593-hp MP4-12C supercar isn't exactly in dire need of more power, but Hennessey Performance Engineering may have us rethinking such narrow-minded notions. HPE has announced plans to build its own version of the 12C, called the HPE800 Twin Turbo—that's 800 as in, 800 hp. (HPE didn't provide an exact figure but says the final product will put out "over" 800 hp.) HPE will replace or upgrade plenty of parts to get an extra 207 hp from the car's 3.8-liter V-8: the turbos, intercoolers, the engine-management software, the transmission-cooling system, and the clutch among them. To put the final tuner touch on things, Hennessey will add its own titanium exhaust system, as well as new external wastegates and blow-off valves for the turbos. In a somewhat un-tuner-esque move, Hennessey will not mess with the car's suspension, saying that "the factory systems will be difficult to improve upon." We can respect the decision to leave the well-balanced chassis alone: a stock MP4-12C recently beat out the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS in a three-way comparison test. The HPE800's exterior does get a mild overhaul, with new fascias and rocker panels that improve downforce at speed. HPE also fitted Hennessey monoblock aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. (The standard MP4-12C rides on Pirelli P Zeros.) Finally, Hennessey leather, faux suede, and carbon-fiber interior touches also will be available. Most of that stuff comes standard on the MP4-12C anyway, so we're not sure that's a hugely necessary upgrade. The elements of this Hennessey-tuned McLaren will be available together as a turnkey package as well as some separate pieces. Pricing for the super-dupercar hasn't been announced, but we'll go ahead and guess that it's a good deal past the MP4-12C's $230K base price. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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