Hennessey upgrades Cadillac CTS-V to ZR1 spec

Texas-based tuning firm Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has announced plans for several highly modified Cadillac CTS-V sedans that the company plans to launch later this year. Dubbed the ‘V’ series, the uprated cars will offer outputs from 610hp (455kW) all the way up to 800hp (595kW) and joins other mega-power custom cars like the recently launched ‘Godzilla 700’ Nissan GT-R and a string of ‘Venom’ Dodge Vipers.

At the heart of tuned Cadillacs is GM's new 6.2L LSA supercharged V8, which in standard trim already outputs a healthy 556hp (414kW). Add a K&N sports air filter, upgraded supercharger pulley and belt, and revised ECU, and the powerplant churns out 610hp (455kW) and 605lb-ft (820Nm) of torque for the basic V600 package. Hennessey claims a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds, an 11.8 second quarter mile ET and a top speed of 195mph.

Next in line is a series of upgrades delivering 650hp (485kW) and 700hp, respectively. Additional modifications necessary for the power hike includes a new cold air induction system, new camshafts, stainless steel headers and a full 3in exhaust, and an intercooler upgrades. Expect to see the 0-60mph time drop to around 3.1 seconds when fitted with these upgrades plus 20in wheels shod with Nitto drag radial tires.

Rounding out the range is the V800 twin-turbo upgrade delivering a supercar-rivalling 800hp (595kW) and 780lb-ft (1,056Nm) of torque. Some of the extra modifications include a custom twin-turbo set-up with external wastegates, blow-off-valves and a fuel delivery system upgrade.