In case 435 horsepower isn’t enough, Texas-based Hennessey Performance is building a supercharged, 717-hp version of the new 2015 Ford Mustang.
The high-performance tuner plans to build only 500 units of its HPE700 Mustang for the 2015 model year, founder John Hennessey said in a recent phone interview. He said the company is taking orders.
Suggested retail starts at $59,500, including the cost of the base 2015 5.0-liter Ford Mustang GT. Suggested retail for the 2015 5.0-liter Ford Mustang GT starts at $32,925, including $825 destination fee, Ford said.
Hennessey said extras on his version such as carbon-fiber body work – a front “splitter,” side sills, a rear diffuser and a rear lip spoiler – plus upgraded wheels, tires and brakes boost the price to the “mid-$70’s.”
Hennessey Performance said customers can order new 2015 Hennessey-tuned Mustangs through 37 Ford dealerships around the country that belong to AutoNation Inc.
In September, Hennessey Performance, Sealy, Texas, announced a marketing and sales agreement with AutoNation, the biggest U.S. auto retail group, to be rolled out in 2015. AutoNation is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
According to Hennessey Performance, the 2015 HPE700 Mustang will hit 60 mph from a standing start in 3.6 seconds, or a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, reaching 131 mph – on a test track, presumably.
John Hennessey said the firm’s version of the Mustang is meant to be a Hellcat-fighter, referring to the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. He said his car is expected to be lighter than the Hellcat, which he said should spell better performance numbers.
According to Dodge, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a supercharged, 6.2-liter Hemi engine that produces 707 hp. The company says the car can sprint a quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat. The 707-hp V-8 is the highest rating for any V-8 engine in the Chrysler Group’s history. Top speed is 204 mph, the company said.
Dodge said production is scheduled to begin in early 2015.
