Hennessey Exorcist auf Basis Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

May 1991: A certain John Hennessey shows up at several motorsport events in the western United States with an updated Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4. Expectations are low – because the Texan usually travels alone in his Japanese coupé. However, there was success, which is why Hennessey decided to become a specialist in car tuning. He starts his company in a rented garage with only one employee.

Hennessey Performance Engineering’s specialty at the time: turbo conversion and modifications to the air intake and exhaust side. But the choice of base cars then was different than it is today: Although initially it was about Japanese sports cars like the previously mentioned Mitsubishi 3000 GT (and its American offshoot Dodge Stealth), Toyota Supra or Mazda RX-7, Hennessey right now. especially concerned with those of high-performance American cars aside. That is why the choice of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as the basis of the power coupe, which was not called “Exorcist” for nothing, seemed logical.

An example of an anniversary with three special features

For the 30th anniversary in 2021, Hennessey Performance released the Exorcist in a 30th Anniversary Edition, which had several special features. The front fenders featured special logos that complement the classic Exorcist graphics and reflect the special edition design. In addition, each anniversary model received a plaque with a corresponding serial number.

However, it is highly questionable if the Exorcist is driving the devil out of the Camaro ZL1 or if he is releasing it. The statistics show the latter. The production car produces 659 hp, produces a maximum of 881 Newton meters and accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96.6 km / h) in 3.5 seconds. The values ​​of the Hennessey counterpart: 1,014 hp, a maximum of 1,310 Newton meters and zero to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds. The station planner predicts a time of 9.57 seconds for the quarter mile, and a speed of 237 km/h at the finish line. The maximum speed is 349 km / h.

A new compressor – and much more

When it comes to engine modifications, Hennessey returns to its original capabilities – but not only. The tuner replaces the standard compressor along with the intake system and camshaft. The team from Sealy repair the cylinder heads as well as the fuel system, intake and exhaust valves including their springs as well as tappets and push rods. After the upgraded heat exchangers are installed, a new, tuned engine management system coordinates all the new and remaining components with each other. On the exhaust side, new catalytic converters and stainless steel manifolds ensure increased transmission.

“Our 30th anniversary Exorcist combines everything we know in one super sports car,” said company founder John Hennessey at the time of the anniversary model. Since detailed interior modification is not one of his company’s specialties, the interior floor mats should have been sufficient as a distinguishing feature from the standard car. Texans offered the Exorcist in a 30th Anniversary Edition as a coupe and convertible and with a manual or automatic transmission. The base price at that time was 135,000 dollars (currently equivalent to around 126,000 euros).

With a manual transmission for $160,000

At $160,000 (a cool 149,000 euros), the replica based on the 2023 Camaro ZL1, which Hennessey offered for sale in March 2023, is even more expensive. This Exorcist feature is painted “Rapid Blue” and, with its six-speed manual transmission, shifts the onus to the driver to make the most of the monstrous torque and precise shift times. Inside, the car has a factory-installed leather/Alcantara interior. There is also a plaque with a serial number in the engine compartment.

The Camaro ZL1 Exorcist Final Edition, which Hennessey is launching at the end of the Camaro build, doesn’t have a price tag yet. Only 57 copies will be made. The tuner refers to the 57 years that the Camaro was in production. As for the car, the 1,014 hp power plant remains unchanged. However, its engine compartment has been adorned with a new plaque bearing the special edition serial number. Matching images can also be found on the front guards.