From old-school AMG Kompressors to the Jaguar F-Type Roadster, there’s always been something extremely persuasive about the supercharged V8 in an open-top car. It’s a method of forced induction that complements the engine’s character perfectly, making a big V8 feel even burlier still, and the soundtrack - with supercharger shriek and eight-cylinder rumble - is always special. So it’s no wonder that Hennessey now offers its H700 ‘charger upgrade for the Convertible. The only surprise, really, is that it didn’t happen sooner.
Much is familiar from the coupe, with the supercharger boosting outputs of the 6.2-litre V8 to 718hp and 638lb ft - huge uplifts of 44 and 37 per cent respectively. Supporting hardware includes a new induction system, intercooler and ‘enhanced’ exhaust system. The engine and dual-clutch transmission calibration have been tweaked to suit as well. Hennessey hasn’t released any performance stats for the H700, though given it’s more potent than the Z06 - itself capable of 60mph in less than three seconds and almost 200mph - it’s clearly one very swift little red Corvette. There’s even a video showing it out dragging a Cybertruck, so it must be as fast as the speed of sound.
Customers could leave it there, of course, though there’s plenty more other than just the supercharger to be tempted by. There’s an even rowdier exhaust available (presumably the one hollering in the video), as well forged wheels and something called a Hennessey C8 Heritage Livery, offered in blue, red, white, black or silver. All supercharged cars from Hennessey will get a numbered plaque, plus a 36,000-mile warranty. Whether that covers approximately 144,000 quarter-mile drag races isn’t clear, but this H700 has surely been designed with heavy-duty use in mind. Those who are buying a Corvette just to cruise around in don’t need a supercharger, after all.
John Hennessey said of his eponymous company’s latest: "Our supercharged C8 Convertible boosts America’s favorite sports car to extraordinary performance levels. We’ve unleashed the power that Chevrolet left on the table, boosting output by more than 200 bhp. Few cars, especially at this price, can deliver this level of power, acceleration, and engaging open-air driving experience alongside the Corvette’s distinctive V8 roar.” The H700 upgrade is available to order now, and can be fitted to all 2020-on C8 Convertibles.
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