If Guinness holds a record for “Longest Period Between Production Model Reveal And Actual Release To Market”, The 2010 Chevy Camaro would probably fly-kick the crown right off the head of whichever car holds it right now.

Never mind that though, because US tuning house Hennessey Performance Engineering has got its hands on a Camaro or two and sorted out an upgrade kit, including a bit of supercharger action. Lay down AU$154,479, and you’ve got yourself a 525kW Camaro “HPE700” with a solid 955 of Newton’s best torques.  Bear in mind, though: you can buy a Lexus IS F for that money, and have some change left. You can even squeeze an Audi S5 on that budget.

Powered by GM’s supercharged LS9 V8, the HPE700 Camaro can be optioned with the 15-inch carbon brakes from a Corvette ZR1 (we think that’d be a good idea), light weight HRE wheels wearing Michelin PS2 rubber, and a full suspension upgrade (this thing might even get around corners).

Above: The Camaro as it normally looks.

Hennessey has also put together an aero kit for its HPE700, featuring a carbon fibre rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber side rocker panels, carbon fiber front splitter, front fascia with hideaway-look headlights, and a front billet grille. On top of the bonnet rests a ZR1-inspired window showing off the HPE700’s tweaked LS9 heart.

“The HPE700 Camaro allows our customers to combine supercar power and performance with classic American muscle car looks in a modern, daily-drive usable sportscar with a backseat and a trunk!,” said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering.

“We will be announcing other Hennessey turnkey vehicle packages for the 2010 Camaro in the near future along with an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories. But for now, the LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro, replete with ZR1 inspired looks and performance promises to be at the top of the American muscle car food chain later in 2009.

If you’re eager to get your hands on one (and probably best if you live in the US), Hennessey is offering the first HPE700 Camaros exclusively to registered bidders at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Orders can be placed at the Hennessey display at the show or by phone or email beginning Tuesday, January 13 through Sunday, January 18, 2009. On Monday, January 19, 2009 the HPE700 Camaro will be available to the general public and can be ordered from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering.