Originally, the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine of the Escalade-V delivered 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque. Hennessey Performance, however, found this inadequate. Their enhancements have remarkably increased output to 1,005 horsepower and 882 lb-ft (1195 Nm) of torque – a surge of over 48% in horsepower and around 35% in torque. Although Hennessey hasn't commented on the transmission's capability to handle this increase, it's assumed that the stock configuration remains reliable.
Significant modifications were made to the engine. Enhanced breathing is achieved through ported cylinder heads, and an array of new components - including valve springs, retainers, lifters, pushrods, and valves for both exhaust and intake. High-flow catalytic converters replace the standard ones, mitigating potential legal issues with emissions, though the already considerable sound level of the Escalade-V might still attract attention.
The SUV also benefits from an ECU tune and subtle aesthetic updates, such as new badges and a serialized plaque under the hood. These changes are relatively understated, maintaining the Escalade-V's original look but promising surprise performance against unsuspecting rivals.
Pricing for this upgrade package hasn't been disclosed by Hennessey yet. Considering the base model's MSRP of $149,195, the cost is likely aligned with what buyers in this segment expect. For those seeking more modest performance boosts, Hennessey offers a supercharger upgrade for the standard Escalade, raising its power to 650 hp at approximately $28,000.
Source: Hennessey Performance