While customer deliveries of
the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray have yet to even begin, Texas tuner
Hennessey Performance has already detailed a multitude of performance upgrades
for the mid-engined sports car. While recently speaking with Hagerty, Hennessey
said that despite the difficulty in tuning the new E99 ECU featured in the C8
Corvette, it will do that as opposed to swapping in a new ECU and starting
things from there.
According to a representative from
the company, it remains unclear when tuners will be able to crack into the
car’s ECU and start working their magic. “In the meantime, we expect to receive
our first C8 in March or April and we will be busy mocking up our first
supercharger and twin-turbo systems while we await tuning software,” the
spokesperson said.
Early analysis from Hennessey
suggests that the new 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine of the C8 is very similar to the
outgoing LT1 with the exception of a dry-sump oiling system and the tubular exhaust
manifolds. Consequently, the company doesn’t envision running into any issues
when drastically increasing power from the car. Hennessey’s range-topping C8
Corvette package will pump out no less than 1200 hp. That figure will be
achieved with twin-turbochargers and the stock fuel system but the tuner will
have it running on E85 ethanol to ensure power is easy to find.
Another key area of the
Corvette that will be modified is its Tremec dual-clutch eight-speed
transmission. Hennessey has yet to work on this gearbox but says it will work
with a vender well versed in upgrading transmissions for the Nissan GT-R, Audi
R8, and Lamborghini Huracan.
