Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) engineers automotive legends. For over five decades, SVE has stood as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Second-Stage Manufacturing world, a journey that began in 1970 when founder Ed Hamburger turned a passion for NASCAR and NHRA dominance into a global performance empire. From the iconic Firehawks and WS-6s of the 90s to today’s world-crushing 1,000HP YENKO/SC® super-trucks, SVE has always been the gold standard for "factory-backed" adrenaline.
Company History and Evolution
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The Beginning: Ed Hamburger started in 1970 with performance parts for Chrysler race cars and later founded Hamburger's Oil Pans, which became a dominant supplier in NASCAR and NHRA.
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SLP (Street Legal Performance): Formed in 1987, this company (which evolved into SVE) was the first to develop a 50-state emission-legal integrated performance package for the 1988 Camaro and Firebird.
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GM Partnership: In 1992, the company began producing limited-production specialty vehicles sold through GM dealers, eventually manufacturing over 55,000 units, including the Camaro SS, Firehawk, and WS-6.
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Transition to SVE: After selling its performance parts assets (SLP) in 2013, the company was renamed Specialty Vehicle Engineering to focus entirely on vehicle manufacturing and its own proprietary centrifugal supercharger systems.
Today, the torch of this high-octane dynasty has been passed to David Hamburger, who has taken the helm to lead SVE into a new era of absolute performance dominance. Under David’s visionary leadership, SVE isn't just maintaining the status quo—it is shattering it. David has spearheaded a technological revolution within the company, moving beyond traditional upgrades to master the complexities of modern Direct Injection and proprietary centrifugal supercharger systems that are 50-state emission legal.
Key Innovations
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In-House Superchargers: When GM introduced Direct Injection engines in 2014, SVE developed its own centrifugal superchargers rather than using existing designs, allowing them to offer OE-quality, 50-state emission-legal performance upgrades.
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Expansion Beyond GM: While primarily focused on GM (Silverado, Tahoe, Escalade, Corvette), SVE has also developed supercharged packages for the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Challenger/RAM under the "Hamburger's Specialty Vehicles" (HSV) name.
The "sizzle" under David’s command is undeniable. He has aggressively expanded the brand’s footprint, bringing the "YENKO" name back to the forefront of the American psyche with breathtaking projects like the 1,250HP Twin-Turbo C8 Corvette and the world’s fastest street-legal Silverados and Tahoes. By combining his father’s relentless commitment to OE-quality engineering with a modern, aggressive "more-is-never-enough" philosophy, David Hamburger is ensuring that SVE remains the apex predator of the performance market. When you sit behind the wheel of a modern SVE vehicle, you aren't just driving a truck or an SUV; you are experiencing the culmination of two generations of Hamburger family genius, refined and perfected for the next century of speed.
Current Offerings (2024–2026)
The company currently produces ultra-high-performance versions of several flagship models:
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Corvette: Twin Turbocharged C8 models reaching up to 1250HP.
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Silverado/Sierra: Available in multiple configurations (Lowered or Off-Road) with power ranging from 700HP to 1000HP.
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SUV Lineup: Specialized YENKO/SC® and SXR Series versions of the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade.
GALLERY-EMBED
The Legend Begins – 2022 YENKO/SC® 850HP Silverado Off-Road (Pilot #1)
Secure the crown jewel of modern muscle. This is Pilot #1, the first-ever 850HP YENKO/SC® Silverado produced by Specialty Vehicle Engineering. As the official development and launch vehicle, this is the benchmark for the entire limited run of 50 units.
Dominate any terrain with a custom-built, supercharged 378 C.I.D. LT-1 engine delivering a relentless 850HP and 800 lb.-ft. of torque. This "blue-chip" collector’s item is armored with a 4” BDS lift, Fox® performance shocks, and massive 6-piston YENKO-badged brakes. Inside, the serialized "Number 1" power badge and custom leather crest embroidery signal absolute exclusivity. Complete with its original portfolio and certificate of origin, Pilot #1 isn't just a truck—it's history in motion.
GALLERY-EMBED
The Ultimate Executive Powerhouse – 2023 700HP YENKO® Tahoe (Official SVE Demo)
Experience the raw authority of the legendary Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) Factory Demo. This isn't just a SUV; it’s a serialized piece of automotive history used exclusively for premier events and dealer showcases.
Under the hood, a custom-built 700HP supercharged 5.3L engine—featuring a forged twisted steel crank and CNC-ported heads—delivers relentless performance. The aggressive stance is anchored by 22” lightweight forged aluminum wheels, a precision lowering-kit, and massive 16.1” Brembo brakes. Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in luxury, boasting custom leather surrounds and sYc® embroidered detailing.
As an official Demo, this Tahoe is loaded with every premium "black-out" and performance option available. Serialized and protected by a full warranty, this is your rare chance to own the very vehicle SVE used to define the 700HP YENKO® legacy.
GALLERY-EMBED
The Ultimate 1-of-1 Collector Priority – 2020 YENKO/SC® 800HP Silverado
Own the impossible. This is the ONLY 2020 YENKO/SC® Supercharged Silverado in existence, a singular masterpiece built by Specialty Vehicle Engineering as the premier promotional platform for the 2021 lineup.
This 800HP titan is powered by a custom-built, blueprinted 378 C.I.D. LT-1 engine featuring a forged steel rotating assembly and CNC-ported heads. Every inch of this truck screams performance, from the high-output centrifugal supercharger to the 6-piston Brembo brakes and 2”/5” lowering stance on 22” forged wheels. Wrapped in exclusive silver YENKO/SC® graphics with a custom silver leather interior, this "Unicorn" comes complete with the manufacturer’s certificate of origin and official power badges. When "one of a kind" is an understatement, this is the truck.
