Lucas Bell 
Hennessey Performance, a YouTube channel, created quite a bit of buzz with their twin-turbo C8 kit back in March. Though without a cracked ECU, we’re pretty sure that is just Texas snake oil for now. Regardless, they haven’t stopped fiddling with the C8 since then, and their efforts have just secured the current C8 Corvette top speed record.
The 2020 C8 Corvette comes from the factory as a damn-near 200 mph car, with an official top speed of 194 mph. Choose to equip the track-work oriented Z51 performance package, and the added aerodynamic assistance drops the C8 Corvette’s top speed rating down to 184 mph due to the drag of a rear wing. With the help of some nitrous oxide, Hennessey was able to smash past the factory rated figure.
In order to make the most of the nitrous hit, Hennessey Performance also fitted their Vette with some upgraded exhaust components, and removed the rear spoiler for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The end result was 650 horsepower under the foot of driver John Heinricy – a former GM performance driver and a well-known SCCA autocross champion. With the preparation complete, Hennessey headed to the Continental Tires Proving Grounds to undergo the C8 Corvette top speed run.
With YouTube influencer TheStradman in the passenger seat for guaranteed viral status (because that’s all this was ever about), the nitrous-filled C8 was able to hit a VBOX-confirmed 205.1 mph. That record setting pass makes the Hennessey Corvette the fastest example of the C8 we’ve seen up until this point. The video of the event isn’t without drama either, as the absence of a rear spoiler seems to upset the C8’s stability tremendously, especially at these speeds.
So it appears that once again Hennessey Performance has claimed a top speed record, this time pertaining to America’s Sports Car. We’re glad for everyone involved that the nitrous hit treated their Corvette better than ones we’ve seen before, and it makes us wonder if they installed stronger axles. Regardless of how it was achieved, there’s a new C8 Corvette top speed record that’s waiting to be broken.
