Hennessey Performance Transforms McLaren MP4-12C from Mild to Wild with HPE800 Twin Turbo

Texas-based automotive tuning company, Hennessey Performance (HPE), has set their sights on taking the new McLaren MP4-12C to a higher level of performance. Today the company is introducing their HPE800 Twin Turbo concept for the 12C. The HPE800 Twin Turbo will include upgrades to the powertrain designed to reliably increase power to over 800 bhp. HPE will also add a more aggressive aero package to the vehicle in order to increase downforce. The Hennessey CarbonAero bodywork will incorporate a new, center-positioned frontal air inlet with hood extractor. This new design will allow room for larger heat exchangers for improved engine intercooling as well as transmission cooling.

“We’ve been taking fast cars and have been making them faster for over twenty years,” said company founder and president John Hennessey. “I spent a lot of time around the new 12C at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and was very impressed. We’re excited to have the opportunity to take a great car and give it our own special performance touch while giving 12C owners a uniquely aggressive appearance”.

HPE800 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• Upgraded intercooler system
• Upgraded air intake system
• Upgraded ball-bearing turbochargers
• Hennessey titanium exhaust system
• External wastegates
• External blow-off valves
• Upgraded fuel and engine management system
• Upgraded transmission cooler
• Upgraded transmission clutch system
• Custom dyno-tuned engine calibration
• Hennessey Warranty

Other Upgrades Include:
• Hennessey CarbonAero body upgrade
• Hennessey Monoblock wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• Hennessey custom interior upgrades including carbon fiber, Alcantara and leathers

HPE does not plan to offer any kind of a suspension or brake system upgrade as the factory systems will be difficult to improve upon. The company plans to offer the upgrades listed above as an entire package as well as some individual parts. These items will be available directly from HPE facilities located in Texas and Southern California. Pricing has not yet been set.

Source: Hennessey Press Release

Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno 2012 Acura NSX Commercial for the Big Game

Here is the awesome commercial featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, not to mention “the Soup Nazi” for the 2012 Acura NSX which will run during the “Big Game”. How ridiculous that we have to say “Big Game”. Way to go NFL! Am I allowed to say NFL?

Source: YouTube/Acura

MagnaFlow Mario Andretti Edition 2011 Camaro SS Sells to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project

With Mario Andretti on the stage cheering on the bidders the MagnaFlow Mario Andretti Edition 2011 Camaro SS was on the block last night at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2012. All proceeds went to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project Inc. As the gavel dropped the MagnaFlow Mario Andretti Edition 2011 Camaro SS sold for $75,000.

In creating the MagnaFlow Mario Andretti Edition 2011 Camaro SS, we wanted to develop a high performance vehicle that would be worthy of the Andretti name while honoring the vehicle’s roots to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Creating a unique identity for the Camaro meant using subtle styling to enhance the aesthetics. Bill Dunn Upholstery provided carbon fiber body accents in the form of a front splitter, skirts and diffuser. RK Sport donated a carbon fiber hood to further reduce weight and allow for a paint design that pays tribute to Mario’s racing heritage. Bill Dunn Upholstery stepped up to the plate to upgrade the interior with high quality leathers, suede and subtle accents tying the interior and exterior together and giving the Camaro a luxurious custom feel. In the powertrain category, the LS3 packs a punch that can stand alone. However, in creating a true supercar, we needed a boost in power levels. We partnered with Magnuson Products to enhance power through one of their aftermarket TVS 2300 superchargers. Advanced Clutch Technology and their twin-disc clutch helped us insure all the extra horsepower was transferred to the wheels. With increased power levels we need to give the Camaro more stopping power, grip and control. Brembo offered to help this beast stop on a dime with their 6-piston monobloc system. Opting to stay with 20″ wheels, HRE P40s added the additional styling needed to show off the Pirelli PZero tires for enhanced traction. The Eibach Springs Pro Plus kit allowed for more control and better handling. After Mario Andretti took it to triple digit speeds at the Nashville SuperSpeedway and Samuel Hubinette took it sideways in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational at Spring Mountain Raceway, we were confident that we had achieved our goal.

Source: Barrett-Jackson.com

2013 Porsche Boxster Press Release

Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a change of generation been so comprehensive. The open-top two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. The new Boxster weighs less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. These new dimensions are coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering system to significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics. The new Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle.

The new Boxster benefits not only from an increased wheelbase but also shorter overhangs, while the windscreen has been shifted forward. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models.

The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement – ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp, which is five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds.

To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock.

The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price iwill be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 194 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Source: Porsche Press Release

Video of Jay Leno Test Driving the Venom GT

The Hennessey Venom GT is a true American supercar. Take a look at this video from Jay Leno’s Garage as Jay takes the Venom GT for a test drive. I looks like Jay really enjoyed driving the Venom GT, with a million dollar price tag we will have to take Jay Leno’s word for it.

Source: Hennessey Press Release