For each and every vehicle the folks at Hennessey Performance crack open, the firm first gets a base measurement. It’s the only way to measure actual performance gains reliably, since dynamometer readings can vary.
Most recently, Hennessey Performance threw a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE on the dyno to see what it put out. Like the regular ZL1, the 1LE version is factory rated at 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. However, given the average 15 percent or so of power loss from crank to wheels, that should result in 552.5 horsepower; Hennessey’s dyno chassis read a bit higher at 567.4 horsepower, along with 542.7 lb-ft of torque.
One could posit that the discrepancy is merely the result of a more efficient drivetrain, but the Camaro ZL1 that HPE previously dyno’d put down 554 horsepower and 532 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. We’re not necessarily saying that Chevrolet upped the juice a little with the ZL1 1LE; it could just be down to a difference in weather conditions. But it’s possible.
Listen the LT4 roar in this video, and enjoy the smoke show HPE puts on, then tell us what you think in the comment section below.
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Furiously saving to get one!