The concept of turning SUVs into pavement-pounding, drag-racing, supercar-shredding monster rods never ceases to amaze me, and by that I mean my jaw is on the floor and I’m completely boggled. I love me some automobiles (and vehicular transportation in general), but there’s something about a nigh-three ton box on wheels and oodles of GO that seems…weird.

However, if monster rods – or high performance in general – are your cup of Starbucks soy latte, then Hennessey has got you covered (as if you didn’t know that already, what with their cray-cray 1,000+ horsepower Vipers from way back when). Below, for your viewing pleasure, is video of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade drag racing a 2011 R35 GT-R and beating it.

For reference, this Caddy is outfitted with the HPE1000 twin-turbo package, Hennessey’s top of the line performance kit for the Escalade. Other options include the HPE435, the HPE500 and HPE575 supercharged packages, and the HPE800 twin-turbo package.

By Phil Alex

VIDEO_______________________________________________________________________CADILLAC ESCALADE HPE1000 SPECIFICATIONS

From Hennessey:Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo UpgradeAvailable for 2007 – 2011 6.2L GM SUV & Trucks Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Yukon, Sierra, Escalade & H2 Power: • 1008 bhp @ 5,900 rpm • 967 lb-ft torque @ 3,700 rpm Performance: • 0 – 60 mph: 3.3 sec. • 11.3 sec. @ 124 mph Performance figures are based on the 2011 Cadillac Escalade running on 93 octane fuel. Other truck and SUV performance numbers may vary due to the size and weight of the vehicle. HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes: • Forged & Balanced 427 cid LSX Engine • High Flow Cylinder Heads • Hennessey HPE1000 Camshaft • Intake Manifold Upgrade • Upgraded Fuel Injectors • Upgraded Fuel System (Pump, Lines & Rails) • Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers • Dual Wastegates • Air-to-Air Intercooler • Dual K&N Air Filters • Electronic Boost Controller • HPE Stainless Steel Turbo Manifolds • High Flow Catalytic Converters • Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust • 160 Degree Thermostat • HPE Engine Management Calibration • All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids • Professional Installation • Dyno Tuning & Road Testing • Hennessey Exterior Badging • Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques • 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty