Hennessey’s Exorcist Camaro ZL1 Final Edition is a 1000bhp run-out special
The Chevrolet Camaro is bowing out after over half a century, so Hennessey Performance has developed its wildest take yet
After 57 years on sale, Chevrolet will bring Camaro production to a close in January 2024, spelling the end for the popular sports coupe. To give it an appropriate send off, Texas-based Hennessey Performance has developed the Exorcist Camaro ZL1 Final Edition, building on the original Exorcist launched in 2017. Just 57 examples will be produced to reference the model’s lengthy production run.
The sixth-generation Camaro ZL1 is a potent performer in standard form, producing 650bhp from its LT4 6.2-litre supercharged V8. Hennessey’s 2017 Exorcist saw power rise to 840bhp, but the Final Edition takes things to a new level. Thanks to a host of hardware changes, an ECU tune and the use of high ethanol E85 fuel, the new model produces 1000bhp and 966lb ft of torque – 350bhp and 316lb ft more than from the factory.
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To achieve this, Hennessey has completely reworked the LT4 V8, porting the cylinder heads, equipping custom camshafts, and upgrading everything from the valves to the lifters and pushrods. To ensure adequate fueling for such extreme power levels, Hennessey has also uprated the fuel pump and injectors, while tweaking the ECU to tie the new hardware together. A larger supercharger, less restrictive intake system and a new heat exchanger also contribute to this uplift in output, with long-tube stainless steel headers and new catalytic converters helping the engine breathe more freely.
The result of this power increase is a quoted 217mph top speed, a 0-60mph sprint of just 2.1sec and a 9.57sec quarter-mile time. While these figures aren’t quite enough to match Dodge’s 1025bhp Challenger SRT Demon 170, the Exorcist Final Edition is a whole 1.4sec quicker from standstill to 60mph than the standard ZL1, achieving a top speed 17mph higher. Despite these impressive numbers, design changes are relatively subtle, with a numbered engine bay plaque and exterior decals to mark out the Final Edition.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO, said: 'Our comprehensive upgrade to the Camaro ZL1 is one of my all-time favourites. The chassis, suspension, and powerplant work seamlessly together, so all the driver experiences is raw, unbridled horsepower. There’s nothing else like our Exorcist, so we’re eager to share this special limited edition with fans of this iconic car before it’s gone forever.'
Production of the Hennessey Exorcist Camaro ZL1 Final Edition is already underway, with just 57 units set to hit the road. Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but with the standard car priced from $72,195, expect to pay in excess of $100,000 for the package.
