Texans. They are an enthusiastic, proud and boisterous bunch. Texas is one of those states that revels in loving their own cliches. “Everything is bigger in Texas,” they will say. And Texas-based Hennessey Performance Engineering believes wholeheartedly in that cliche by building ridiculously fast cars and trucks.

The McLaren MP4-12C is their latest creation. Regarded as one of the best super cars in the world, it would seem like nobody in their right mind would think that that isn’t good enough. Hennessey accepted the challenge and built a 704HP version of the 12C and is going to sell it to anyone who can afford it.

MP4-12C

Hennessey Performance Engineering have created a 704HP version of the McLaren 12C.

The HPE700 package for the 12C includes a engine computer performance upgrade, a new exhaust system and new cooling systems to deal with the increase in power. Hennessey will also performance tune the owner’s specific vehicle on a dyno to make sure their car runs perfectly.

MP4-12C

The McLaren 12C boasts a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds.

This engineering wizardry drops the 12C’s 0-60 time down to 2.8 seconds and will run the 1/4 mile in 10.3 seconds. There is no denying that that is a fast car. But unlike a lot of American muscle cars that are built to make big horsepower, the 12C retains all of its performance and handling equipment to make it a fierce competitor on the race track. For those with short memories, the 12C features a suspension system that uses computers and fluid in replacement of anti-roll bars and other suspension equipment to make the ride extremely smooth and tailor the performance perfectly to the road conditions.

MP4-12C

Some may view the modification of a European performance car by an American tuning company to be a bit sacrilegious, we here at Motor Review believe that if we were going to build a super car, we would want the British to do the suspension and fine tuning, but we would want the Americans to make the engine. This upgrade fits that bill nicely.