SEMA: Turbocharged Cadillac runs 220.5 mph down Texas highway

LAS VEGAS -- What’s the fastest you’ve ever traveled on a highway? Ever hit 200 mph? How about 220.5 mph?

That’s how fast auto tuner Hennessey Performance Engineering’s heavily modified, turbocharged 2012 Cadillac CTS-V moved down Texas State Highway 130.

The company said it performed the run last week while the highway was closed. Hennessey said Texas officials allowed the car to run up to such blistering speeds to help validate state camera and radar systems.

Photos: Highlights from the 2012 SEMA Show

The car, dubbed 2013 VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe, is the latest from Hennessey -- the Sealy, Texas-based auto tuning company that modifies and creates high-powered cars. The souped-up Cadillac made its public debut Tuesday at the Specialty Equipment Market Assn. trade show.

Hennessey swapped out the Caddy’s stock supercharged 6.2 liter V-8 engine and instead installed a twin turbocharged 7.0 liter V-8 engine. With the upgrade, the company says the car kicks out more than 1,226 horsepower.

Hennessey calls it the “most powerful four-seat vehicle available on the market.” And it just may be.

Check out these numbers: According to Hennessey, the Caddy is expected to zip from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds; finish a quarter-mile drag race in 10.2 seconds; and have a top speed of 242 mph.

Hennessey widened the rear of the vehicle by 7 inches and the front by 3 inches. There are stylistic upgrades as well, including an extractor hood, rear fender flares and 20-inch rims.

But if you’re looking to buy one, Hennessey said its production is limited to just 12 cars. And three have already been spoken for.

Hennessey has been in business in Texas since 1991. Last month, the company expanded its business to Southern California when it added a new facility in Lake Forest.

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